encumbrance
Something that makes life or work harder.
Something that makes a task, situation, or progress more difficult; a burden or hindrance.
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.
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.
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.
- Base: encumbrance
- Plural: encumbrances
free of encumbrances
1having no burdens or claims
With no legal claims or other burdens.
- 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.
- The land is free of encumbrances.
no encumbrances
1no ties or obligations
No responsibilities that tie you down.
- 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.
- I have no encumbrances, so I can travel.
subject to encumbrances
1having legal limits on property
Having legal claims or restrictions.
- 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
1not burdened by something
Doing something without a difficult extra problem.
- 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.
- I can study without the encumbrance of noise.