encumbrance or incumbrance(ɪnˈkʌmbrəns
)
Definitions
noun
- a thing that impedes or is burdensome; hindrance
- law a burden or charge upon property, such as a mortgage or lien
- rare a dependent person, esp a child
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry=
burden,
weight,
difficulty,
load,
drag,
liability,
obstacle,
embarrassment,
obstruction,
albatross,
millstone,
Usage examples
What if Kitty should fall in love, marry, and decide that a young niece was an encumbrance round the house?
, The Image of Laura (1993)WORKCOVER premiums are proving the greatest encumbrance for local horse trainers in taking on new apprentice jockeys.
The Advertiser, Sunday Mail (2004)The association could do without that encumbrance on top of such a massive planned loan.
Glasgow Herald (2001)I quite liked the fellow, but he's still an encumbrance and quite useless.
, SHARPE'S PREY (2002)