encumber

USAGE SUMMARY

"encumber" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb and means to burden or impede (something or someone) with difficulties or restrictions. For example, you could use the sentence: "The overloaded cargo encumbered the truck's movement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The American government called for grants rather than loans to finance Iraq's recovery so as not to encumber future Iraqi generations, and the same principle applies even more emphatically for impoverished Africa.

The Economist

Why encumber themselves with this pushy, opinionated, conceited, publicity-seeking soixante-huitard (sixty-eighter)—and a German, to boot?

The Economist

Postulators hardly make a fortune, but that probably makes them all the more protective of their arcane skill-set.Anyway, setting a fixed price-list for sainthood services isn't just a free gift to tabloid headline writers; it's one small step in the process of reining the vast and self-serving bureaucratic interests that surround and encumber the Vatican.

The Economist

Doubters encumber him: some, by his own magnanimous admission, say he is "too serious" and "fight[s] too hard".

The Economist

Despite the death knell sounded throughout the media, most people and most banks did not encumber themselves with mountains of unsecured debt.

The Economist

A fiction is often used to get around the provisions of constitutions and legal codes that legislators are hesitant to change or to encumber with specific limitations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

I am too encumbered and I don't think you should be so encumbered as you reach the horizon of your life".

Independent

"The government's loan will un-encumber the ILC from the crippling impact of an existing debt that is diverting resources from its core business of supporting the economic aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians," said Indigenous affairs minister Nigel Scullion, who added the resort had become an "incubator" of Indigenous employment.

The Guardian

Michele Bachmann was able to reach her high-water mark without being unduly encumbered by her gender; nor was she advantageously buoyed by it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Need either writer have so encumbered us with the detail of their wives' bodily failures?As to intent, Mr Kondracke's Milly was "a master of her universe", "a dynamo" who got him into Alcoholics Anonymous and off drink.

The Economist

This weakness will affect international calculations about how much pressure to put on Mr Aliev.The second reason is the president's successful projection of a self-image as a good mini-tsar encumbered with bad advisers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts or processes, use "encumber" to denote how unnecessary complications or obligations can slow progress or limit effectiveness. For example: "Excessive bureaucracy can encumber innovation."

Common error

Avoid using "encumber" when a lighter term like "inconvenience" or "delay" is more appropriate. "Encumber" implies a significant burden or restriction, not just a minor setback.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "encumber" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of loading something down with a burden or hindering its progress, as supported by Ludwig examples that demonstrate how debt or bureaucracy can "encumber" future plans or innovation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

37%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encumber" functions as a transitive verb, indicating the act of burdening or impeding something, either physically or abstractly. Ludwig AI confirms it as a valid English word. It's frequently used in news and media, as well as encyclopedic content, and possesses a neutral register. To avoid common errors, ensure the term accurately reflects a significant burden, not just a minor inconvenience. Related phrases like "hinder", "burden", and "impede" can serve as suitable alternatives depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weigh down

Emphasizes the physical or emotional burden, reflecting one aspect of "encumber".

burden

Focuses on the imposition of a heavy load or responsibility, closely related to the first sense of "encumber".

impede

Suggests obstruction or slowing down progress, similar to "encumber" in its restrictive aspect.

hinder

Implies causing delay or obstruction, differing from "encumber" by not necessarily involving a heavy load.

hamper

Signifies interfering with movement or action, akin to "encumber" but often involving less weight.

obstruct

Indicates blocking or preventing movement or progress, a more forceful version of "encumber".

restrict

Highlights limitation or constraint, emphasizing the hindering aspect of "encumber".

constrain

Suggests restricting someone's freedom of action, similar to how "encumber" can limit movement or progress.

saddle with

Indicates the imposition of an unwanted burden or responsibility, related to the concept of "encumber".

handicap

Implies placing someone at a disadvantage, similar to how "encumber" can create difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "encumber" in a sentence?

You can use "encumber" to describe something that burdens or impedes. For example: "The heavy debt could encumber their future plans."

What words can I use instead of "encumber"?

Alternatives to "encumber" include "hinder", "burden", or "impede", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "encumbers on" someone?

No, the correct usage is to say something "encumbers" someone or something. The preposition "on" is not typically used with "encumber".

What's the difference between "encumber" and "disencumber"?

"Encumber" means to burden or impede, while "disencumber" means to free from a burden or impediment. They are antonyms.