Encumbrance: meaning, definitions and examples

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encumbrance

[ ɪnˈkʌmbrəns ]

^{Context #1}

legal

A burden or impediment; something that restricts or limits someone or something.

Synonyms

barrier, constraint, hindrance, obstacle

Examples of usage

The encumbrance of student loans can make it difficult to save money for the future.
The encumbrance of excessive regulations can stifle innovation in the industry.

^{Context #2}

finance

A claim or liability on property, such as a mortgage or a lien.

Synonyms

claim, lien, mortgage

Examples of usage

The house was unable to be sold due to the encumbrance of an existing mortgage.
Before purchasing the land, it is important to investigate any potential encumbrances.

Translations

Translations of the word "encumbrance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ônus

encargo
obstáculo

🇮🇳 बोझ

बाधा
भार

🇩🇪 Belastung

Bürde
Hindernis

🇮🇩 beban

rintangan
hambatan

🇺🇦 тягар

обтяження
перешкода

🇵🇱 obciążenie

przeszkoda
ciężar

🇯🇵 負担 (ふたん)

妨げ (さまたげ)
障害 (しょうがい)

🇫🇷 charge

fardeau
obstacle

🇪🇸 carga

obstáculo
gravamen

🇹🇷 yük

engel
sorumluluk

🇰🇷 부담

장애물
짐

🇸🇦 عبء

عائق
حمل

🇨🇿 břemeno

překážka
zatížení

🇸🇰 bremeno

prekážka
zaťaženie

🇨🇳 负担 (fùdān)

障碍 (zhàng'ài)
阻碍 (zǔ'ài)

🇸🇮 bremenitev

ovira
obremenitev

🇮🇸 byrði

hindrun
álag

🇰🇿 жүк

кедергі
ауыртпалық

🇬🇪 ტვირთი

დაბრკოლება
ბარიერი

🇦🇿 yük

maneə
çətinlik

🇲🇽 carga

obstáculo
gravamen

Word origin

The word 'encumbrance' originated from Middle English in the late 14th century, derived from Old French 'encombrance'. It is related to the Latin word 'cumbrus' meaning 'a hindrance'. Over the centuries, 'encumbrance' has evolved to encompass both legal and financial contexts, referring to burdens, liabilities, or restrictions that impede progress or freedom.