encumbrance

noun/ɪnˈkʌmbrəns/

Frequency rank: #19,590 most common English word

Meaning

something that burdens or hinders progress; an impediment or obstruction.

Illustration for the English word “encumbrance”

Example sentence

The heavy debt was a financial encumbrance that prevented the company from growing.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 19,501–19,600