cumbersome
What does "cumbersome" mean?
The word "cumbersome" describes something that is difficult to handle, carry, or manage because of its size, weight, or complexity. Imagine trying to navigate a crowded subway station while carrying a massive, awkward suitcase that keeps bumping into people; that suitcase is cumbersome. It carries a sense of physical or structural heaviness that hinders movement or progress. In a more abstract sense, it is frequently used to describe processes, rules, or bureaucratic systems that are overly complicated and slow. While "heavy" refers simply to weight, "cumbersome" emphasizes the inefficiency and inconvenience caused by that weight or complexity. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to critique systems that are "cumbersome to implement" or "cumbersome to navigate."
"cumbersome" in conversation
Office project planning
Do we really have to fill out these four separate forms just to request a new laptop?
Do we really have to fill out these four separate forms just to request a new laptop?
I know, the entire procurement process is incredibly cumbersome.
I know, the entire procurement process is incredibly cumbersome.
Used to describe a bureaucratic system that creates extra work.
Moving furniture
Can you help me move this desk? It's surprisingly cumbersome.
Can you help me move this desk? It's surprisingly cumbersome.
Sure, it's an awkward shape, isn't it?
Sure, it's an awkward shape, isn't it?
Used to describe a physical object that is hard to manage due to its shape or size.
"cumbersome" in a sentence
The heavy coat was cumbersome to wear.
The heavy coat was cumbersome to wear.
They found the new software update to be quite cumbersome.
They found the new software update to be quite cumbersome.
The organization was hampered by cumbersome regulations that stifled innovation.
The organization was hampered by cumbersome regulations that stifled innovation.
