Cumbersome: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS

Today’s word of the day is ‘cumbersome’. It is a powerful adjective that instantly adds precision and maturity to your English communication. Before using it for exams like IELTS, it is important to understand what it truly implies in everyday and academic English and to learn how to use the word.

So, learn the meaning, history, and proper usage of the term ‘cumbersome’, solidify your understanding through practical exercises, and add it to your IELTS Vocabulary words list for Band 8 or 9 to achieve your desired score. 

Meaning of Cumbersome

• Pronunciation: /ˈkʌmbəsəm/ (sounds like kuhm·buh·sm)

The word ‘cumbersome’ is an adjective that describes something hard to manage, awkward to use, or inconvenient because of its size, weight, or complexity.

• Spelling: Often misspelt as: Combersome. It is to be noted that it is a “u” after C and not “o”. The correct spelling is ‘Cumbersome’.
• Collocations: ‘Cumbersome’ commonly collocates with systems, procedures, processes, tasks, equipment, or objects that are heavy, slow, inefficient, complicated, or difficult to handle. These collocations show that the word is usually used for physical heaviness or inefficiency/complexity in non-physical contexts. Typical collocations include:

• • cumbersome procedure/process/system
  • cumbersome equipment/machinery/tools
  • cumbersome documents/forms/paperwork
  • cumbersome luggage/load/package
  • cumbersome regulations/rules/bureaucracy
  • cumbersome user interface/technology

History and Origin of Cumbersome

Understanding a word’s historical roots can help you appreciate how its meaning has evolved. 

The term originates from the Middle English word ‘cumbrous,’ meaning troublesome or oppressive. It is derived from the root ‘cumber’, which comes from the Old French verb ‘combrer’ meaning to hinder or obstruct. Over time, the meaning expanded from ‘hindering’ to ‘heavy and awkward’, leading to the modern form cumbersome used today.

Usage & Examples of Cumbersome

‘Cumbersome’ is commonly used in academic writing, technology discussions, workplace communication, and formal essays. You can use it to describe bureaucratic procedures, old machinery, overcomplicated systems, bulky objects, and outdated technology. 

Here are some examples of how the word ‘cumbersome’ can be used in different contexts:

• Unlike my other casual costumes, this designer dress is far more cumbersome.
• The application procedure was too cumbersome that it took lots of time to successfully accomplish everything.
• The assignment was so cumbersome that Jill had to hire six temporary workers to assist her.
• The customer service agent said I would have to pay extra for my cumbersome suitcase.
• The old desktop computer was cumbersome, making it difficult to move from one room to another.
• The registration process was so cumbersome that many participants dropped out halfway.
• Filing taxes manually can be a cumbersome process for many people.
• The suitcase was too cumbersome to carry on public transport.

IELTS Usage of ‘Cumbersome’

The word ‘cumbersome’ is especially useful in IELTS Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3, where you need to describe things that are ‘difficult’, ‘slow’, ‘heavy’, or ‘inefficient’. 

IELTS Writing Task 2

• Topic: Some people think paperwork should be completely digitised. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Answer Excerpt: I agree because traditional paperwork is often slow and cumbersome, leading to delays and inefficiency. Digital systems, on the other hand, streamline communication and reduce unnecessary manual effort.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Question: Why do some people avoid using public transportation?
• Sample Answer: Many people find the ticketing systems cumbersome, especially if they have to navigate different apps or counters. When a system becomes too complicated, people naturally prefer quicker alternatives.

Synonyms and Antonyms of ‘Cumbersome’

Synonyms and antonyms help expand your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of the word. Each synonym and antonym below includes a reliable dictionary definition and a completely original example sentence.

Exercise to Master the Meaning of Cumbersome

Now, it is time to complete the exercises that follow to improve your understanding of the word ‘cumbersome’.

1 In which sentence is ‘cumbersome’ used most accurately?

A The professor’s explanation was so brief that it felt cumbersome.

B The outdated filing system was cumbersome and slowed down the entire department.

C The lightweight backpack was cumbersome because it barely weighed anything.

D His excitement was cumbersome during the celebration.

2 Which option best describes the meaning of ‘cumbersome’?

A Emotionally overwhelming

B Extremely urgent or time-sensitive

C Dangerous or toxic

D Difficult to use or manage due to heaviness, complexity, or inefficiency

3 Which noun typically collocates naturally with the word ‘cumbersome’?

A Cumbersome regulations

B Cumbersome joy

C Cumbersome flavour

D Cumbersome sunrise

4 Choose the sentence with correct and natural usage of ‘cumbersome’ as an adjective modifier.

A The team was cumbersome by the unexpected mistake.

B She found the software’s interface cumbersome to navigate.

C His decision was cumbersome to accept.

D The results were cumbersome and delighted the researchers.

5 In the sentence below, what does ‘cumbersome’ most likely indicate: “The committee abandoned its cumbersome approval process to speed up medical innovation.”?

A The process was unethical. 

B The process lacked transparency.

C The process was unnecessarily slow and inefficient. 

D The process was too expensive to maintain.

Answer Key

To conclude, if you are preparing for the IELTS exam without any proper study plan, learning method, or strategies, then it will be more cumbersome for you. The chances are high that you will be able to fall through rather than get a high IELTS score. Therefore, before taking up the exam, you should make a detailed study plan. For example, first, you can plan to figure out the pattern of the exam and then work on the sections you are not good at. By logging into our website, ieltsmaterial.com, you get a wealth of knowledge with regard to IELTS tips, lessons, books, sample answers, and practice tests of Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading.

Useful Links:

• Plethora - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing
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• Bane - IELTS Word of the Day for Speaking & Writing
• Useful Resources & Websites for IELTS Vocabulary
• Five Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary