encumbrance
gb/ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns/ us/ɪŋkˈʌmbɹˈæns/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
1
a burden or obstacle
Something that makes life or work harder.
Usage pattern:
an encumbrance to/on [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Often misspelled as *incumbrance* (a less common variant). Also confused with *unencumbered* (the opposite idea).
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.)
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
Themes
daily_life
|work
|problems
Examples
- The extra paperwork was an encumbrance that slowed the team down.
- Old rules can become an encumbrance when a company needs to move quickly.
- He viewed the debt as an encumbrance on his future plans.
Learner examples
- The broken printer was an encumbrance at work.
- High rent is an encumbrance for many families.
Noun
legal
C2
relation
2
legal claim limiting property
A legal problem on property, like a mortgage or lien.
Usage pattern:
an encumbrance on [property/title/land]
Common mistake:
Learners may treat it as only meaning “burden”; in legal contexts it specifically means a claim or restriction attached to property.
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.)
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
Themes
law
|business
|housing
|finance
Examples
- The buyer’s lawyer discovered an encumbrance on the title during the search.
- The land was sold with an encumbrance granting the neighbor a right of way.
- They couldn’t refinance until the encumbrance was removed.
Learner examples
- The house had an encumbrance, so the sale was delayed.
Noun
formal
C1
abstract
3
ties like dependents or duties
A responsibility (often family) that ties you down.
Usage pattern:
have no encumbrances
Common mistake:
In this sense it is not about property or money; it refers to personal ties or obligations.
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.)
Collocations
no encumbrances
|family encumbrances
|personal encumbrances
|without encumbrances
|free of encumbrances
Themes
relationships
|family
|daily_life
Examples
- She was able to accept the overseas posting because she had no encumbrances.
- In his twenties, he traveled constantly, with few encumbrances at home.
- 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.
Noun
formal
C1
entity
4
a physical load that slows you
A heavy thing that makes it hard to move.
Usage pattern:
travel/move with [an] encumbrance
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.)
Collocations
heavy encumbrance
|carry an encumbrance
|move without encumbrance
|fight with encumbrances
Themes
travel
|sports
|daily_life
Examples
- With the camera gear as an encumbrance, the hike felt twice as long.
- The long coat was an encumbrance in the crowded subway.
- He tried to run, but the suitcase was an encumbrance.
Learner examples
- My backpack was an encumbrance on the climb.
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.
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.
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.