What does cumbrously mean?
Cumbrously means in a way that is difficult to handle, move, or deal with. The word is especially useful when describing physical movement that is hindered by weight, size, or awkwardness, as in a vehicle moving cumbrously through a narrow space. It can also characterize a process that is slow, complicated, and inefficient, such as a bureaucratic procedure. The adverb has a formal, slightly literary tone and often conveys more than merely slow: the action seems encumbered by difficulty or excessive effort. Its relatives, cumbersome and cumber, share an association with burdens and obstruction. Cumbrously is less common than the more general words awkwardly and clumsily, but it is distinctive when the source of the difficulty is substantial and visually or practically awkward.
adverbIn a cumbersome manner; in a way that is difficult to handle, move, or deal with.
- In a way that is difficult to handle, move, or deal with.
"The old machine lumbered cumbrously through the narrow workshop."
"A heavy box blocked the doorway, and we maneuvered it cumbrously around the corner."
"The committee's review process continued cumbrously for several months."
When something moves cumbrously, every motion seems to require its own planning committee.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does cumbrously come from?
Cumbrously was formed from cumbersome by adding the adverbial suffix -ly. Cumbersome entered English in the late 16th century, developing from obsolete cumbrous and ultimately from Latin cumbrus, a word associated with a burden or hindrance. The English family also includes cumber and encumber, which continue the idea of obstruction or being weighed down.
How cumbrously is actually used
This is a formal or literary adverb, especially suited to describing awkward movement, handling, or burdensome processes. It is more expressive than simply saying with difficulty.
Easily confused with cumbrously
Both are valid adverbs, but cumbersomely is the less usual adverb formed from cumbersome, whereas cumbrously is the established form in many dictionaries.