CUMBERSOME

The Word ‘Cumbersome’

Introduction

The term cumbersome often describes objects or situations that are unwieldy, clumsy, or burdensome. It conveys a sense of something being difficult to manage or handle.

What it Means

Cumbersome refers to items or processes that are large, heavy, or complicated, making them challenging to deal with. Each time she reached for a forgotten treasure, the trunk creaked under its weight, reminding her how difficult it was to sift through such a hefty collection of her past.

Other Related Points

Cumbersome is derived from the verb cumber, meaning to hinder or obstruct. Use it effectively to describe situations where complexity or bulk is a hindrance in both everyday and specialized contexts.

How it is Used

• "The cumbersome package took two people to lift."
• "Navigating the cumbersome application process made it hard to get approved."

Best Places and Conditions

The word is typically used in contexts where efficiency or ease of use is compromised—such as in discussions on technology, logistics, or any situation involving complex procedures.

Mnemonics

To remember cumbersome, think of a "cumbersome elephant," which is large, heavy, and difficult to move around effectively.

Short Story

In the attic, Jenna discovered a cumbersome trunk filled with old memories. It emphasizes both a physical and metaphorical sense of burden.

Conclusion

Understanding the word cumbersome enriches vocabulary by highlighting the nuances of difficult or unwieldy items and processes.