Cumbersome

Pronunciation: /ˈkʌmbərsəm/

Definitions of cumbersome

adjective Cumbersome is an adjective that describes something that is large, heavy, or difficult to handle or manage.

Example Sentences

A1 The old computer was too cumbersome to carry around.

A2 The instructions for assembling the furniture were cumbersome and confusing.

B1 The new software program had a cumbersome interface that made it difficult to navigate.

B2 The company's outdated filing system was cumbersome and inefficient.

C1 The legal process for obtaining a patent can be cumbersome and time-consuming.

C2 The bureaucracy in the government agency was so cumbersome that it hindered progress.

Examples of cumbersome in a Sentence

formal The new software update introduced a cumbersome process for submitting expense reports.

informal Carrying all these heavy boxes up the stairs is so cumbersome.

slang Ugh, this homework assignment is such a cumbersome task.

figurative The weight of his past mistakes felt cumbersome as he tried to move forward.

Grammatical Forms of cumbersome

• past tense: cumbersomed
• plural: cumbersome
• comparative: more cumbersome
• superlative: most cumbersome
• present tense: cumbersomes
• future tense: will cumbersome
• perfect tense: have cumbersomed
• continuous tense: is being cumbersome
• singular: cumbersome
• positive degree: cumbersome
• infinitive: to cumbersome
• gerund: cumbersoming
• participle: cumbersomed

Origin and Evolution of cumbersome

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'cumbersome' originated from the Middle English word 'cumberous', which was derived from the Old French word 'combrer' meaning to hinder or weigh down.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'cumbersome' shifted from simply hindering or weighing down to describing something that is awkward or difficult to handle due to its size or complexity.