noun
C2
Proficient
encumbrance
in-KUM-bruhns
Encumbrance (noun) means a legal claim against a property, such as a mortgage, unpaid tax or right of way, that limits what the owner can do with it or must be settled before it is sold. Example: “The title search revealed no encumbrances on the land.”
noun
1
legal A legal claim against a property, such as a mortgage, unpaid tax or right of way, that limits what the owner can do with it or must be settled before it is sold.
"The title search revealed no encumbrances on the land."
"The house is sold free of encumbrance."
2
formal Something that weighs you down or gets in your way.
"He travelled without the encumbrance of luggage."
"Regulation was treated as an encumbrance rather than a safeguard."
How to use encumbrance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that holds you back, or a legal claim stuck to a property.
When to use it
Formal; the property sense is standard legal vocabulary, the general sense is literary.
Memory tip
Note the spelling: there is no e after the b, unlike cumber and cumbersome.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
encumbrance vs lien
encumbrance vs easement
Common pairings
free of encumbrances
encumbrance on the title
without encumbrance
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like encumbrance.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The title search revealed no _____ on the land.
Etymology
From Old French encombrance, from encombrer "to block up, obstruct".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for encumbrance
See all rhymes for encumbrance →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an encumbrance and a lien?
A lien is one kind of encumbrance, a claim securing a debt, such as a mortgage or an unpaid contractor's claim. Encumbrance is the wider word and also covers non-financial restrictions such as easements, covenants and rights of way.
What does "free from encumbrances" mean?
It means the property carries no outstanding claims, charges or restrictions, so the buyer will receive clear title. Conveyancers confirm this through a title search before completion.
Is an encumbrance certificate the same everywhere?
No. In India an encumbrance certificate is a specific official document listing registered transactions on a property, whereas in Britain and America the same assurance comes from a title search or title insurance rather than a certificate of that name.
What is the meaning of encumbrance?
"encumbrance" (noun) means a legal claim against a property, such as a mortgage, unpaid tax or right of way, that limits what the owner can do with it or must be settled before it is sold.
