cumbersome task

USAGE SUMMARY

'cumbersome task' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task that is tedious and difficult, and that takes up a lot of time and effort. For example: "The project was a cumbersome task to complete, but we were able to do it with help from our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Until about the 1980's, surveying was a cumbersome task, Mr. Ingram said.

The New York Times - Tech

The design of such complexes, however, is a tedious and a cumbersome task.

Computer-Aided Design

On the other hand, casting of several gels in parallel is a cumbersome task but is often an essential situation.

Measurement

Established in 1978, the federal recognition process is a complicated and cumbersome task that requires tribes to meet seven criteria.

The New York Times

However, finding specific processes may become a cumbersome task due to the large size of these repositories.

Expert Systems with Applications

Establishing the feasibility to Metal Additive Manufacturing has been a cumbersome task for any industry adapting this technology.

Materials Today: Proceedings

Designing of mixed flow impeller blades is still a cumbersome task, mainly due to the great number of geometric parameters.

Procedia Technology

In almost every one of them, getting access to basic material about the case has been an extremely frustrating and cumbersome task.

The Guardian - Opinion

The more cumbersome task is deciphering how riders can squeeze out maximum value during the final days of the old fares.

The New York Times

It's a neat trick that frees people from the cumbersome task of repeatedly typing the same friends' names into their photo albums.

The New York Times

Chemospecific and regiospecific modifications of natural products by methyl, prenyl, or C-glycosyl moieties are a challenging and cumbersome task in organic synthesis.

Current Opinion in Chemical Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cumbersome task" when you want to emphasize that a task is not only difficult but also inefficient and awkward to handle. It's particularly fitting when describing processes that involve multiple steps or require significant effort without yielding proportional results.

Common error

While "cumbersome task" is widely understood, it can sound overly formal or technical in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "difficult job" or "tricky situation" to maintain a more relaxed tone with your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumbersome task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "cumbersome" modifies the noun "task". This phrase is often used to describe activities or processes that are complex, inefficient, and difficult to manage. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cumbersome task" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a task that is difficult, inefficient, and awkward to handle. As Ludwig shows, it's frequently used in science, news, and business contexts to express a negative evaluation of a process or activity. While versatile, "cumbersome task" can sometimes sound overly formal in casual conversation. For such instances, simpler alternatives like "difficult job" or "tricky situation" might be more appropriate. Consider using the term when you specifically want to emphasize the inefficiency and awkwardness involved, making sure to align the tone with your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arduous undertaking

Replaces "task" with "undertaking", emphasizing the scale and effort involved.

tedious chore

Focuses on the monotonous and repetitive nature of the task.

difficult endeavor

Highlights the challenging aspect of the task.

laborious process

Emphasizes the extensive effort and time required.

onerous duty

Suggests a task that is burdensome and unwelcome.

demanding activity

Highlights the high level of effort and skill required.

complex operation

Focuses on the intricate and multi-faceted nature of the task.

challenging assignment

Implies a task that tests one's abilities and knowledge.

troublesome undertaking

Highlights the problems and difficulties associated with the task.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the oppressive or stressful nature of the task.

FAQs

How can I use "cumbersome task" in a sentence?

You can use "cumbersome task" to describe any task that is difficult, inefficient, and awkward to handle. For example, "Navigating the outdated system was a "cumbersome task"."

What are some alternatives to "cumbersome task"?

Alternatives to "cumbersome task" include "arduous undertaking", "tedious chore", or "difficult endeavor", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "cumbersome task"?

It's appropriate to use "cumbersome task" when you want to highlight that a task is not only difficult but also inefficient and awkward. It fits well in formal writing, reports, and when describing complex processes.

Is "cumbersome task" too formal for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "cumbersome task" can sound overly formal in casual settings. In everyday conversation, consider using alternatives like "difficult job" or "tricky situation" to keep a more relaxed tone.