cumbersome
UK: ˈkʌmbəsəm | US: ˈkʌmbərsəm
adj. difficult to handle or use because of size, weight, or complexity
adj. slow or inefficient due to excessive formality or procedures
cumber<obstruct> + some<adjective suffix>
- cumber: From Middle English combren, meaning "to obstruct" or "burden," derived from Old French combrer (to block).
- some: A suffix forming adjectives, indicating "tending to" or "characterized by" (e.g., troublesome, quarrelsome).
Etymology Origin:
The word cumbersome emerged in the late 14th century, combining cumber (a verb for hindrance) with -some to describe things that are unwieldy or burdensome. Its evolution reflects the literal sense of physical obstruction (e.g., heavy objects) and later extended metaphorically to bureaucratic inefficiency.
The large package was cumbersome to carry up the stairs.
The legal process became cumbersome due to excessive paperwork.
Wearing a winter coat in summer feels cumbersome.
The old machinery was cumbersome and inefficient.
The team found the new software interface overly cumbersome.