unencumbered

American  

[uhn-en-kuhm-berd] / ˌʌn ɛnˈkʌm bərd /

adjective

1. not impeded, slowed down, or retarded; free to move, advance, or go forward.

2. having few or no burdens or obligations.

3. not burdened or weighed down, as with bulky or heavy objects.

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unencumbered British  

/ ˌʌnɪnˈkʌmbəd /

adjective

1. not burdened, impeded, or hampered

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Other Word Forms

• unencumbering adjective

Etymology

Origin of unencumbered

un- ¹ + encumbered

Example Sentences

This issue celebrates the Los Angeles outdoors, the many lives to be lived under its unencumbered sky.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

This story is part of Image’s March Outside issue, a celebration of the Los Angeles outdoors and the many lives to be lived under its unencumbered sky.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The youngster said he started heading for shore with just his life jacket but later abandoned it to swim unencumbered.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

The lyrics are simple, unencumbered by a traditional musical’s desire to grab the audience with a catchy tune.

From Salon • Dec. 27, 2025

For the first time, I was free, and, better than free, employed; and now, unencumbered by the terrors of the night and pursuit, I was fully sensible of the exhilarating sensations of that liberty.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson