encumbrance

American  

[en-kuhm-bruhns] / ɛnˈkʌm brəns /

Also incumbrance

noun

1. something that encumbers; something burdensome, useless, or superfluous; burden; hindrance.

   Poverty was a lifelong encumbrance.

2. a dependent person, especially a child.

3. Law. a burden or claim on property, as a mortgage.

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encumbrance British  

/ ɪnˈkʌmbrəns /

noun

1. a thing that impedes or is burdensome; hindrance

2. law a burden or charge upon property, such as a mortgage or lien

3. rare a dependent person, esp a child

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Etymology

Origin of encumbrance

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English encombraunce, from Middle French encumbrance; see origin at encumber, -ance

Explanation

A burden or serious concern is an encumbrance. Your being five feet tall could be an encumbrance when it comes to your dream of playing professional basketball. Something that blocks you from doing what you want to do is an encumbrance, like the rocky soil in your garden that makes it impossible for you to grow tomatoes. A burden or hindrance can also be an encumbrance, the way wearing thick knitted mittens makes it harder for you to dial your cell phone — your mittens are an encumbrance. The word comes from the Latin word incombrare, which means "barricade or obstacle."

Example Sentences

“Debt is a long-term obligation and an encumbrance on people’s finances.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

That's why they've now assigned a receiver in order to prevent the transfer, sale or encumbrance of any of those assets.

From Salon • Nov. 6, 2023

At this point, minor villains can only be an encumbrance.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2023

Guardiola expected Tuchel to sit back and defend, which would have made a holding midfielder an unnecessary encumbrance.

From New York Times • May 30, 2021

The garland I was holding became an encumbrance, I felt I had been stupid to buy it.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya

Related Words

• burden