Cumbersome

/ˈkʌmbərsəm/ adjective

Definition

Unwieldy, difficult to handle or manage due to size, weight, or complexity.

Etymology

From Middle English 'cumbren' meaning 'to encumber' or 'to hinder', from Old French 'combrer'. The suffix '-some' indicates 'characterized by' or 'tending to cause', creating the meaning 'tending to encumber'.

Kelly Says

Cumbersome beautifully captures that frustrating quality of objects that seem designed to work against you - like trying to carry an oversized package through a narrow doorway. The word itself feels a bit cumbersome with its three syllables, perfectly embodying what it describes.

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