cumbersome to administer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cumbersome to administer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process, system, or task that is difficult or unwieldy to manage or oversee. Example: "The new software implementation has proven to be cumbersome to administer, leading to delays in project timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But it remains cumbersome to administer, confusing to the public and a modest disincentive to work.

The New York Times

The Klein administration early on tried a form for teachers to evaluate children, but abandoned it as too cumbersome to administer.

The New York Times

But the drug is expensive, at $93,000 for a course of treatment, and cumbersome to administer, making a pill like Zytiga an attractive alternative, doctors and analysts have said.

The New York Times

These types of antagonists have the advantage of being reasonably specific, however, they are expensive and cumbersome to administer.

Cell Communication and Signaling

This was reported to be cumbersome to administer especially to caretakers who had no cues to remind them.

BMC Health Services Research

In planning the study, the ADL staircase was considered to be too cumbersome to administer to patients at ICU discharge.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

And even where local government can help with a deposit, private landlords often tell us that council schemes are cumbersome, slow to administer and claim against in the event of damages caused by tenants.

The Guardian

including some artists, said that such a law would be cumbersome and difficult to administer, at the least, and possibly injurious to the careers of some young artists, at most.

The New York Times - Arts

But the devices that are used to administer them are still bulky, cumbersome and expensive.

Forbes

Since chronic infusions are cumbersome and expensive, an oral formulation provides an excellent method to administer irinotecan over a prolonged period at low doses.

British Journal of Cancer

The government will dispatch workers to cook meals, workers to bathe elderly family members and nurses to administer injections, although applying for such services can be cumbersome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cumbersome to administer", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being administered. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cumbersome to administer" when a simpler term like "difficult" or "complex" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cumbersome to administer" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun, describing something as difficult or awkward to manage. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and appears in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cumbersome to administer" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes something as difficult or awkward to manage, implement, or oversee. Ludwig highlights its neutral tone and moderate frequency, particularly in scientific and news-related contexts. While effective for conveying complexity or inefficiency, be mindful of potential wordiness, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase offers a precise way to critique processes and systems, especially when conciseness and clarity are essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult to manage

Focuses on the general difficulty of managing something, omitting the specific action of 'administering'.

hard to implement

Emphasizes the challenge of putting something into practice rather than the ongoing administration.

unwieldy to operate

Highlights the lack of ease and grace in using or running something.

complex to oversee

Shifts the focus to the complexity of supervising or directing something.

burdensome to handle

Indicates that something is troublesome or onerous to deal with.

challenging to execute

Highlights the difficulty in carrying something out effectively.

awkward to control

Focuses on the lack of smoothness and coordination in controlling something.

laborious to maintain

Emphasizes the effort required for upkeep and continuation rather than initial administration.

complicated to regulate

Specifically refers to the complexity of setting and enforcing rules or guidelines.

impractical to apply

Points out that something is not suitable or feasible for practical use.

FAQs

What does "cumbersome to administer" mean?

It means something is difficult and awkward to manage or put into effect. It suggests the process involves unnecessary complications or effort.

What can I say instead of "cumbersome to administer"?

You can use alternatives like "difficult to manage", "hard to implement", or "complex to oversee" depending on the context.

Is "cumbersome to administer" formal or informal?

It's generally considered a more formal expression, suitable for professional or academic writing rather than casual conversation.

How can I avoid making my writing sound too formal when using phrases like "cumbersome to administer"?

Consider whether a simpler synonym, such as "difficult to manage", would be more appropriate. Vary your vocabulary and sentence structure to maintain a natural tone. Also be concise; the fewer words, the better.