encumbered

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Weighed down or slowed by something heavy or burdensome, so that moving or acting freely is hard.

   Grammar: Usually follows a linking verb and takes with or by: encumbered with luggage.

   Patterns

   • be encumbered with something
   • be encumbered by something

   Encumbered with three suitcases, she struggled up the stairs.

   The company was encumbered by outdated rules.

   Hikers should avoid being encumbered by unnecessary gear.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablelegal

   Of property, subject to a debt, mortgage or legal claim that limits what the owner can do with it.

   Grammar: Often before a noun: an encumbered property.

   Patterns

   • encumbered property
   • be encumbered with a mortgage

   The house was encumbered with a large mortgage.

   They could not sell the encumbered land without paying off the loan.

Common combinations

encumbered with luggage

The travelers were encumbered with luggage.

encumbered by debt

The firm is encumbered by debt.

encumbered property

Buyers are wary of encumbered property.

unencumbered by

She worked unencumbered by doubt.

Synonyms and how they differ

burdened

Stresses emotional or financial load more than physical hindrance.

hampered

Focuses on being obstructed in progress, not on carrying something.

weighed down

More everyday and literal or figurative.

Opposites

Word family

encumber verb

to burden or hinder

encumbrance noun

a burden or legal claim on property

unencumbered adjective

free of burdens

Commonly confused: encumbered or cumbersome?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “encumbered”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words