as in clumsy
difficult to use or operate especially because of size, weight, or design
a long-handled wrench that is too cumbersome for tight spots, such as under the sink
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cumbersome
And though there are no tariffs imposed on British goods entering the EU, there is a raft of non-tariff barriers, such as cumbersome customs paperwork, border certifications, and visa restrictions.
—
ABC News,
21 June 2026
With a Brush Head Heavy electric vacuums can be extremely cumbersome to use on furniture, and their handy attachments often don’t cover enough fabric at a time.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
When one party controls virtually every lever of power, the incentive to reform a cumbersome system diminishes.
—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
The legislation amended a cumbersome, multi-step process for over-the-counter drugs in an effort to create a more efficient system.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cumbersome
ABC News,
21 June 2026
With a Brush Head Heavy electric vacuums can be extremely cumbersome to use on furniture, and their handy attachments often don’t cover enough fabric at a time.
—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
18 June 2026
When one party controls virtually every lever of power, the incentive to reform a cumbersome system diminishes.
—
Matt Klink,
Oc Register,
10 June 2026
The legislation amended a cumbersome, multi-step process for over-the-counter drugs in an effort to create a more efficient system.
—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for cumbersome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cumbersome
Adjective
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This has, in many cases, led to some clumsy looking solutions at venues across North America.
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An early furor over accepting valuable gifts, including designer spectacles and Taylor Swift concert tickets, was followed by a series of policy U-turns, especially clumsy attempts to cut welfare spending that stirred anger in Labour ranks.
Adjective
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Your 2nd House of Finances hits an awkward angle as the nurturing Moon quincunxes ambitious Mars in your 9th House of Travel and Learning.
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But that doesn’t mean there still aren’t some awkward moments.
Adjective
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The anxieties, the mess, the whole unwieldy tapestry of the celebration has nothing at all to do with me.
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An organization with the unwieldy name of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing — NASCAR — was born.
Adjective
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Those clunky portable units do ease discomfort, at least; another widely available air-conditioning option, known as a split unit, is typically more efficient, but also more expensive and harder to install.
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This solution is a clunky eyesore; resembling a cushion, gym mat and tarp meshed into one.
Cite this Entry
“Cumbersome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cumbersome. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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