Encumbrance

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkʌmbrəns/

Definitions of encumbrance

noun a burden or hindrance

Example Sentences

A1 Carrying heavy bags can be an encumbrance when traveling.

A2 The paperwork was an encumbrance for the new employee.

B1 The old furniture was seen as an encumbrance when trying to sell the house.

B2 The strict regulations were viewed as an encumbrance by the company.

C1 The legal encumbrances on the property made it difficult to sell.

C2 The political encumbrances hindered progress on the peace negotiations.

Examples of encumbrance in a Sentence

formal The legal encumbrance on the property made it difficult to sell.

informal Having to carry around all this paperwork is such an encumbrance.

slang Ugh, this project is a total encumbrance, I wish it would just go away.

figurative Her fear of failure was an encumbrance that held her back from pursuing her dreams.

Grammatical Forms of encumbrance

• plural: encumbrances
• comparative: more encumbered
• superlative: most encumbered
• present tense: encumbers
• future tense: will encumber
• perfect tense: has encumbered
• continuous tense: is encumbering
• singular: encumbrance
• positive degree: encumbered
• infinitive: to encumber
• gerund: encumbering
• participle: encumbered

Origin and Evolution of encumbrance

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'encumbrance' originated from the Old French word 'encombrance' which was derived from the Latin word 'incombrantia', meaning 'hindrance' or 'obstruction'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'encumbrance' has evolved to encompass not just physical hindrances or obstructions, but also financial or legal burdens that impede progress or movement.