Definition of cumbersome
1 dialect : burdensome, troublesome
2 : unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk a cumbersome package
3 : slow-moving : ponderous cumbersome administrative procedures
cumbersomely
adverbcumbersomeness
nounRead the Latest from M-W
Examples of cumbersome in a sentence
Squad members, already decked out in cumbersome chemical suits, put on masks and rubber gloves. —Ray Wilkinson, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 1991
He got the approval of the higher-ups, but the course was scuttled by members of his own department, who devised all kinds of cumbersome, silly requirements and prerequisites. —Alice Munro, New Yorker, 20 Mar. 1989
He cut some segments of the 2" pine but discovered that … a cumbersome system of braces would be needed to hold the sides straight. —John Updike, Couples, 1968
The application process is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Her expanded job title is really cumbersome.
Origin and Etymology of cumbersome
see 1cumber
First Known Use: 1535
Synonym Discussion of cumbersome
CUMBERSOME Defined for English Language Learners
cumbersome
playDefinition of cumbersome for English Language Learners
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: hard to handle or manage because of size or weight
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: complicated and hard to do
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: long and difficult to read, say, etc.
CUMBERSOME Defined for Kids
cumbersome
playDefinition of cumbersome for Students
: hard to handle or manage because of size or weight
Learn More about cumbersome
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cumbersome Spanish Central: Translation of cumbersome Nglish: Translation of cumbersome for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cumbersome for Arabic speakers
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