Cumbersome
Large or heavy; awkward to carry or handle; burdensome or difficult to use.
adjectiveCumbersome
Large or heavy; awkward to carry or handle; burdensome or difficult to use.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine trying to move a huge, ornately carved sofa through a narrow doorway. Each twist, tilt, and shove is met with resistance, and progress is slow and exhausting—this is what makes the sofa feel cumbersome.
Sounds Like
KUM-bər-suhm
Looks Like
A bulky, awkward object that hinders movement
Remember This
Cumbersome describes things (equipment, processes, or procedures) that are heavy or complex to use, not typically a person’s personality.
Other Forms
Connect With
encumber, burden, unwieldy, bulky, hindrance
Note
Use cumbersome to convey heaviness or complexity that hinders use or maneuverability. It is not synonymous with simply 'large' or 'obvious'; emphasize difficulty in handling or operation.