rather cumbersome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rather cumbersome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is awkward, unwieldy, or difficult to manage or handle. Example: "The new software update is rather cumbersome, making it hard for users to navigate the interface."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I had had a rather cumbersome journalistic idea.

The New Yorker

Synthetic techniques had improved rapidly, but were still rather cumbersome.

Nature

Obtaining 3D models: It turned out to be rather cumbersome to find good 3D models.

Stanford University

This scheme was rather cumbersome, and it wasn't clear what its physical significance was.

Cornell University

I had further problems with a rather cumbersome narrative framing device.

The Guardian - Books

Writing each of our form fields in HTML works fine, but it is rather cumbersome.

The Guardian

The New Yorker, September 4, 1937 P. 9 The language of the law is mostly rather cumbersome, sometimes cruelly acute.

The New Yorker

The procedure is rather cumbersome, and is limited by the number of drug-resistant markers that can be used for selecting transfected parasites.

Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology

Results suggest that the concept of a single pass RO has a potential for simplifying the present rather cumbersome flow sheets of boron controlled processes.

Journal of Membrane Science

It has proved itself as a versatile reactor analysis tool, but is rather cumbersome when used for accident and sensitivity analysis.

Nuclear Engineering and Design

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However a hands-free device that includes a wired controller seems rather cumbersome.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system, use "rather cumbersome" to politely indicate that it is inefficient or overly complex. For example: "The application process is "rather cumbersome", but it ensures thorough vetting."

Common error

Avoid using "rather cumbersome" in very informal or casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a bit clunky" or "kind of awkward".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather cumbersome" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something as awkward, unwieldy, or difficult to handle. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

29%

News & Media

45%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rather cumbersome" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something as awkward, unwieldy, or difficult to handle. Ludwig AI states that it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its suitability for both professional and academic writing. While it's a useful phrase, be mindful of overuse in informal settings, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "somewhat unwieldy" or "a bit clunky" to tailor your language to the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat unwieldy

Uses "unwieldy" instead of "cumbersome", indicating difficulty in handling or managing something.

quite awkward

Replaces "cumbersome" with "awkward", suggesting a lack of grace or ease.

a bit clunky

Uses "clunky" to describe something that is poorly designed or inefficient.

fairly inconvenient

Replaces "cumbersome" with "inconvenient", focusing on the trouble or difficulty caused.

relatively awkward

Uses "awkward" instead of "cumbersome", highlighting the uneasy or uncomfortable nature.

slightly burdensome

Replaces "cumbersome" with "burdensome", emphasizing the weight or difficulty imposed.

rather troublesome

Uses "troublesome" instead of "cumbersome", suggesting it causes problems or difficulties.

somewhat complicated

Replaces "cumbersome" with "complicated", focusing on the complexity and difficulty in understanding or dealing with something.

quite elaborate

Uses "elaborate" instead of "cumbersome", suggesting it is complex and detailed, potentially causing difficulty.

a little challenging

Replaces "cumbersome" with "challenging", emphasizing the difficulty and the need for effort to overcome it.

FAQs

What does "rather cumbersome" mean?

The phrase "rather cumbersome" describes something that is awkward, unwieldy, or difficult to handle or manage. It suggests a degree of inconvenience or inefficiency.

What can I say instead of "rather cumbersome"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat unwieldy", "quite awkward", or "a bit clunky" depending on the context.

Is "rather cumbersome" formal or informal?

The phrase "rather cumbersome" tends to be more formal than informal. It's suitable for professional or academic writing but might sound overly formal in casual conversations.

How to use "rather cumbersome" in a sentence?

You can use "rather cumbersome" to describe a process, system, or object. For example: "The new software update is "somewhat cumbersome", making it hard for users to navigate the interface."