encumbrance

noun

en·​cum·​brance in-ˈkəm-brən(t)s How to pronounce encumbrance (audio)
1
: something that encumbers : impediment, burden
2
: a claim (such as a mortgage) against property

Examples of encumbrance in a Sentence

without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack, I could sprint along the trail
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The title reflects ongoing ownership, which may include various legal claims or encumbrances, while the deed is specific to the act of transferring ownership from one party to another. True Tamplin, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 The narrative spun by Johnson and his allies was that the country’s natural exuberance had been stifled for half a century by bureaucrats in Brussels and that freed from these encumbrances, the union would flourish. Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 5 July 2024 And despite insistences from Trump and his allies that having to attend the trial is an encumbrance designed to keep him off the campaign trail, the bodega visit was a good reminder that there’s still plenty of time in the week for Trump to campaign. Derek Hawkins, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024 In California, a clean title indicates a property with no liens, encumbrances or claims, ensuring the seller has clear and legal rights to sell without issue. Pat Kapowich, The Mercury News, 23 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for encumbrance 

Word History

First Known Use

1535, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of encumbrance was in 1535

Dictionary Entries Near encumbrance

Cite this Entry

“Encumbrance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/encumbrance. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

encumbrance

noun
en·​cum·​brance in-ˈkəm-brən(t)s How to pronounce encumbrance (audio)
1
: something that encumbers : burden
2
: a legal claim (as a mortgage) against property

Legal Definition

encumbrance

noun
en·​cum·​brance
variants also incumbrance
in-ˈkəm-brəns
: a claim (as a lien) against property
specifically : an interest or right (as an easement or a lease) in real property that may diminish the value of the estate but does not prevent the conveyance of the estate
that these premises are free from all encumbrances

More from Merriam-Webster on encumbrance

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