encumbered

USAGE SUMMARY

"encumbered" is a correct word in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about an object, person, or situation that is hampered or filled with difficulties. For example, "The project was encumbered by a lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

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

A relatively short stint as director of "vision" (the corporation's top TV job) means that he is less encumbered than others by previous decisions.

The Economist

This is no great surprise, since it is usually the male of any dimorphic species who is encumbered with any expensive ornamentation.

The Economist

Rail freight is not encumbered by the short-term contracts common in the passenger railway system, which make train companies petrified of strikes and strengthen the hand of drivers' unions.Raw materials have long been moved by rail, but so, these days, are consumer goods.

The Economist

But whether and how their sums add up is crucial for the Tories, encumbered as they have been for much of the past 20 years by toxic auras of cold-heartedness and incompetence.

The Economist

Unlike his father, Syria's new president is not encumbered by the personal bitterness left by the ancient schism between the Iraqi and Syrian wings of the Baathist movement.

The Economist

This is partly because they are starting work later; it is also because many are now encumbered with student debts.

The Economist

She observes that one disease, called Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, which is caused by a faulty mitochondrial gene, occurs in only 10% of women whose cellular power-packs include the damaged gene, but in 50% of men whose mitochondria are so encumbered.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encumbered", ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the burden or restriction. For example, "The project was encumbered by bureaucratic delays" provides a specific cause.

Common error

Avoid using "encumbered" solely for physical burdens; it often implies a metaphorical weight or restriction. Instead of saying "He was encumbered by the heavy box", consider "He struggled with the heavy box" or "He was burdened by responsibilities" when describing tasks or abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "encumbered" is as a past participle adjective, often modifying a noun to indicate that it is burdened, restricted, or impeded in some way. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is used correctly in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "encumbered" functions as an adjective describing something burdened or restricted, as Ludwig AI also confirms. It's frequently encountered in news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles, denoting challenges or limitations. To use it effectively, specify the source of the burden. Related terms include "burdened", "hampered", and "impeded", each with slightly different connotations. Remember, while it can describe physical burdens, it often refers to metaphorical or systemic constraints, which makes the term more versatile and suitable for many different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

burdened

Implies a heavy load or responsibility, similar to being "encumbered", but often refers to emotional or mental weight.

hampered

Focuses on the obstruction of progress or action, akin to being "encumbered" by obstacles.

impeded

Highlights the slowing down or prevention of movement or progress, similar to how something "encumbered" restricts.

constrained

Emphasizes limitation or restriction, much like being "encumbered" by certain conditions.

weighed down

Suggests a physical or metaphorical burden that makes movement or progress difficult, comparable to being "encumbered".

restricted

Implies a limitation on freedom or movement, similar to the effect of being "encumbered".

held back

Indicates a force preventing advancement or progress, much like being "encumbered" by certain factors.

obstructed

Highlights the blocking or hindering of a path or process, similar to how something "encumbered" can impede progress.

saddled

Suggests being burdened with something unwanted or difficult, comparable to the negative connotations of being "encumbered".

inhibited

Emphasizes the suppression or restraint of an action or feeling, similar to how being "encumbered" can hinder progress or expression.

FAQs

How can I use "encumbered" in a sentence?

You can use "encumbered" to describe something that is burdened or restricted. For example, "The company was "encumbered" by debt", or "The hiker felt "encumbered" by the heavy backpack".

What are some alternatives to using "encumbered"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "burdened", "hampered", "impeded", or "restricted".

What does it mean for property to be "encumbered"?

When property is "encumbered", it means there's a claim or liability attached to it that may limit its free use or transfer. This could be a mortgage, lien, or easement.

What is the difference between "encumbered" and "burdened"?

"Encumbered" often implies a legal or systemic restriction, while "burdened" generally refers to a heavy load, either physical or emotional. For instance, a property can be "encumbered" by a mortgage, while a person can be "burdened" by responsibilities.