Search Dictionary
Definition of encumbrance

encumbrance

/ɪnˈkʌm.brəns/
(UK: incumbrance)
en · cum · brance
Plural:encumbrances
JUMP TO:

encumbrance Lexical Profile

encumbrance Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A burden, impediment, or hindrance that makes action, movement, or progress difficult.

Example

"The heavy winter coat quickly became an encumbrance once the hikers began climbing the steep trail."

2

A legal claim, lien, mortgage, or other liability attached to a piece of property that affects its value or transferability.

Example

"The title search confirmed that the estate was completely free of any financial encumbrances."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for encumbrance
Antonyms
View all antonyms for encumbrance

• Rhymes for encumbrance

• Nearby Words

encrypt
encryption
encumber
encumbrance
encyclopedia
encyclopedic
end

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 14th century from Old French encombrance, from encombrer ('to block up or hinder'), derived from Late Latin incombrare, based on combrus ('barricade of felled trees').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Encumbrance. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/encumbrance
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.