cumbersome
/ˈkʌmbɚsəm/
Group 22Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; slow or complicated GRE
Example in Context
The cumbersome approval process, requiring signatures from seven different departments, deterred all but the most persistent applicants.
Synonyms
bulkyunwieldyawkward
Etymology
Characterized by obstruction or difficulty due to size or weight.
- cumber (Middle English) — to obstruct
- -some (Old English) — characterized by
Memory Aid
🏋️Sounds like “come burden some”
When you COME BURDEN SOME, you might as well carry a hippo on your back — that’s CUMBERSOME!
Visual Association
🦙A person struggling to carry an oversized backpack stuffed with all sorts of unnecessary items.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “cumbersome” mean on the GRE?
cumbersome (adjective) means “Large or heavy and therefore difficult to carry or use; slow or complicated”. The cumbersome approval process, requiring signatures from seven different departments, deterred all but the most persistent applicants.
How to remember “cumbersome” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “cumbersome” sounds like “come burden some”. When you COME BURDEN SOME, you might as well carry a hippo on your back — that’s CUMBERSOME!
What are synonyms for “cumbersome”?
Common synonyms: bulky, unwieldy, awkward.