encumbrance
gb/ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns/ us/ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns/
C1
English
teher, akadály, kötöttség, kötelezettség
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
an encumbrance to/on [someone/something]
The extra paperwork was an encumbrance that slowed the team down.
A plusz papírmunka olyan teher volt, hogy lelassította a csapatot.
Old rules can become an encumbrance when a company needs to move quickly.
Ha egy vállalatnak gyorsan kell lépnie, a régi szabályok teherré válhatnak.
He viewed the debt as an encumbrance on his future plans.
Learner examples
The broken printer was an encumbrance at work.
A meghibásodott nyomtató akadályt jelentett a munkában.
High rent is an encumbrance for many families.
A magas lakbér sok család számára teher.
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as *incumbrance* (a less common variant). Also confused with *unencumbered* (the opposite idea).
Meaning
a burden or obstacle
Collocations
a serious encumbrance
|a major encumbrance
|an unnecessary encumbrance
|financial encumbrances
|administrative encumbrances
|an encumbrance on progress
|an encumbrance to efficiency
|remove an encumbrance
|free from encumbrances
|without encumbrance
Synonyms
hindrance (Emphasizes something that blocks progress.)
|
burden (Emphasizes something heavy to carry or deal with.)
|
obstacle (Often suggests a clear barrier or blockage.)
|
handicap (Emphasizes a disadvantage that limits performance.)
Antonyms
advantage (Something that helps rather than hinders.)
|
aid (Something that makes a task easier.)
Themes
daily_life
|work
|problems
Definition
Something that makes life or work harder.
Something that makes a task, situation, or progress more difficult; a burden or hindrance.
NOUN
C2
LEGAL
2
teher
B2
Usage pattern:
an encumbrance on [property/title/land]
The buyer’s lawyer discovered an encumbrance on the title during the search.
Az adásvétel előtti vizsgálat során a vevő ügyvédje terhet talált a tulajdoni lapon.
The land was sold with an encumbrance granting the neighbor a right of way.
A földet olyan teherrel adták el, amely átjárási jogot biztosított a szomszédnak.
They couldn’t refinance until the encumbrance was removed.
Learner examples
The house had an encumbrance, so the sale was delayed.
A házra teher volt bejegyezve, ezért késett az adásvétel.
Common mistake:
Learners may treat it as only meaning “burden”; in legal contexts it specifically means a claim or restriction attached to property.
Meaning
legal claim limiting property
Collocations
an encumbrance on the property
|an encumbrance on title
|existing encumbrances
|recorded encumbrances
|a mortgage encumbrance
|a lien encumbrance
|clear an encumbrance
|remove an encumbrance
|search for encumbrances
|disclose encumbrances
Synonyms
lien (A specific kind of legal claim, often for unpaid debt.)
|
mortgage (A specific encumbrance used to secure a loan.)
|
charge (Common in legal/business English for a claim on assets.)
|
restriction (Emphasizes limits on use rather than debt.)
Antonyms
clear title (Ownership without legal claims or defects.)
|
unencumbered (Not subject to any claims or restrictions.)
Themes
law
|business
|housing
|finance
Definition
A legal problem on property, like a mortgage or lien.
A legal claim, charge, or restriction on property that may affect its use or transfer, such as a mortgage, lien, or easement.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
kötöttség
B2
Usage pattern:
have no encumbrances
She was able to accept the overseas posting because she had no encumbrances.
Azért tudta elfogadni a külföldi kiküldetést, mert nem voltak kötöttségei.
In his twenties, he traveled constantly, with few encumbrances at home.
Húszas éveiben állandóan utazott, mert alig voltak otthoni kötöttségei.
He described caring for an aging parent as an encumbrance, though he felt guilty saying it.
Learner examples
He can move easily because he has no encumbrances.
Könnyen tud mozdulni, mert nincsenek kötöttségei.
Common mistake:
In this sense it is not about property or money; it refers to personal ties or obligations.
Meaning
ties like dependents or duties
Collocations
no encumbrances
|family encumbrances
|personal encumbrances
|without encumbrances
|free of encumbrances
Synonyms
commitment (Neutral term for duties or promises that limit options.)
|
responsibility (Emphasizes duties toward others.)
|
tie (Informal; emphasizes being held back.)
Antonyms
freedom (Lack of limiting obligations.)
|
independence (Not tied down by others.)
Themes
relationships
|family
|daily_life
Definition
A responsibility (often family) that ties you down.
A person or responsibility that limits someone’s freedom to act or move, such as dependents or personal commitments.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
4
teher
B1
Usage pattern:
travel/move with [an] encumbrance
With the camera gear as an encumbrance, the hike felt twice as long.
A fényképezőfelszerelés terhével a túra kétszer olyan hosszúnak tűnt.
The long coat was an encumbrance in the crowded subway.
A hosszú kabát teher volt a zsúfolt metrón.
He tried to run, but the suitcase was an encumbrance.
Learner examples
My backpack was an encumbrance on the climb.
A hátizsákom teher volt a mászás során.
Meaning
a physical load that slows you
Collocations
heavy encumbrance
|carry an encumbrance
|move without encumbrance
|fight with encumbrances
Synonyms
load (General term for something carried.)
|
weight (Emphasizes heaviness rather than inconvenience.)
|
baggage (Often travel-related; can be literal.)
Antonyms
lightness (Lack of weight or burden.)
Themes
travel
|sports
|daily_life
Definition
A heavy thing that makes it hard to move.
Something carried or worn that makes movement harder, such as heavy equipment, baggage, or bulky clothing.
Grammar
Dictionary form
encumbrance
IPA
GB/ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns/
US/ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns/
Syllables & stress
en - cum - brance (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cum)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: encumbrance
- Plural: encumbrances
Word family
Forms
encumbrances
noun
Core family
encumber
verb C1
Related words
cumbersome
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
unencumbered
adjective C1
Expressions
free of encumbrances
1/fɹˈi əv ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈænsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
having no burdens or claims
With no legal claims or other burdens.
Examples
- The seller stated that the property was free of encumbrances.
- She wanted a fresh start, free of encumbrances and old debts.
- The company insisted the assets be transferred free of encumbrances.
Learner examples
- The land is free of encumbrances.
no encumbrances
1/nˈoʊ ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈænsɪz/
fixed phrase
formal
no ties or obligations
No responsibilities that tie you down.
Examples
- At the time, he had no encumbrances and could relocate quickly.
- The job requires constant travel, so applicants with no encumbrances are preferred.
- She joked that she had no encumbrances—just a suitcase and a laptop.
Learner examples
- I have no encumbrances, so I can travel.
subject to encumbrances
1/sˈʌbd͡ʒɪkt tə ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈænsɪz/
fixed phrase
legal
having legal limits on property
Having legal claims or restrictions.
Examples
- The deed noted that the land was subject to encumbrances and easements.
- These shares may be transferred, but they remain subject to encumbrances.
- The lender will not accept collateral that is subject to encumbrances.
without the encumbrance of
1/wɪðˈaʊt ðə ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns əv/
fixed phrase
formal
not burdened by something
Doing something without a difficult extra problem.
Examples
- They can update the system without the encumbrance of old hardware.
- He enjoyed traveling without the encumbrance of a strict schedule.
- The new process lets staff work without the encumbrance of duplicate forms.
Learner examples
- I can study without the encumbrance of noise.