Lumbering: meaning, definitions and examples

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lumbering

[ˈlʌmbərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing movement

Moving in a slow, heavy, and awkward way.

Synonyms

awkward, clumsy, slow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lumbering	This word emphasizes a heavy, awkward movement, usually due to size or burden. It is often used to describe large animals or vehicles. The lumbering elephant moved slowly through the jungle The old truck made a lumbering turn around the corner
clumsy	Generally used to describe a lack of physical coordination or grace, often causing accidents or mistakes. It has a slightly negative connotation. He tripped over his own feet and crashed into the table in a clumsy manner She's always been clumsy; she drops things all the time
awkward	This word is used to describe situations or movements that are uncomfortable or lacking grace. It can also apply to social interactions that are embarrassing or uneasy. She felt awkward during the interview His awkward attempt to dance made everyone laugh
slow	Refers to a lack of speed or quickness. It can be applied to both physical movements and mental processes. The traffic was slow due to the construction work He gave a slow and thoughtful answer to the question

Examples of usage

He made a lumbering attempt to get up from the chair.
The bear was lumbering through the forest.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

related to wood industry

The business of cutting down trees and converting them into timber.

Synonyms

logging, timber industry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lumbering	This word is used to describe the process or act of harvesting trees for wood, often involving heavy machinery and equipment. It can sometimes also describe something slow and clumsy. The lumbering of trees in the forest is heavily regulated to ensure sustainability. The bear moved with a lumbering gait towards the river, searching for fish.
logging	Use this term when referring to the industry and activities related to cutting down trees and transporting the logs for commercial purposes. It often focuses on the economic and industrial aspects. Logging companies must comply with environmental regulations to protect wildlife habitats. The local economy relies heavily on the logging industry.
timber industry	This phrase encompasses all aspects of the production and trade of wood, from cutting and processing to selling timber. It is a broader term than 'logging' and often used in economic and business contexts. The timber industry is facing challenges due to climate change and deforestation. Advancements in technology have significantly improved the efficiency of the timber industry.

Word

Description / Examples

lumbering

This word is used to describe the process or act of harvesting trees for wood, often involving heavy machinery and equipment. It can sometimes also describe something slow and clumsy.

The lumbering of trees in the forest is heavily regulated to ensure sustainability.
The bear moved with a lumbering gait towards the river, searching for fish.

logging

Use this term when referring to the industry and activities related to cutting down trees and transporting the logs for commercial purposes. It often focuses on the economic and industrial aspects.

Logging companies must comply with environmental regulations to protect wildlife habitats.
The local economy relies heavily on the logging industry.

timber industry

This phrase encompasses all aspects of the production and trade of wood, from cutting and processing to selling timber. It is a broader term than 'logging' and often used in economic and business contexts.

The timber industry is facing challenges due to climate change and deforestation.
Advancements in technology have significantly improved the efficiency of the timber industry.

Examples of usage

He works in the lumbering industry.
Lumbering has been a major source of income for the town.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from 'lumber', which refers to wood, particularly when it's cut and used for building.
Originally, 'lumbering' was used in the 16th century to describe the action of moving wood around, later evolving to describe heavy movements.
It is linked to the Old French term 'lombree', meaning timber or logs.

Pop Culture

In film and literature, characters described as lumbering often symbolize strength or clumsiness, making them relatable and endearing.
The portrayal of hulking creatures, like the Hulk from Marvel Comics, often includes lumbering movements that emphasize their massiveness.
The word has been used in phrases such as 'lumbering giant' to describe not only slow moving physicality but also a powerful presence.

Psychology

Lumbering can be representative of physicality in humans, where larger body types often move more slowly and require more effort.
Studies have shown that the way we perceive movement can affect our emotional responses, with lumbering movements often associated with heaviness and caution.
The concept of 'lumbering' can evoke feelings of shyness or reluctance in social situations, where individuals may hesitate and move slowly.

Nature

Certain animals, like elephants, are often described as lumbering due to their massive size and unhurried movements.
Some species of bears exhibit lumbering behavior when they walk, which can make them appear more gentle despite their strength.
In terms of ecology, lumbering impacts how animals navigate their habitats, particularly in densely populated forests.

Literature

In classic literature, lumbering figures can symbolize the weight of societal expectations or personal struggles, illustrating internal conflicts.
Writers frequently use lumbering characters to create contrast with quicker, more agile characters to emphasize different strengths and weaknesses.
The phrase 'lumbering heart' appears in poetry to describe feelings of sadness or burdensome love, emphasizing slow emotional movement.

Translations

Translations of the word "lumbering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pesado

🇮🇳 भारी

🇩🇪 schwerfällig

🇮🇩 berat

🇺🇦 тяжкий

🇵🇱 ciężki

🇯🇵 重々しい

🇫🇷 lourd

🇪🇸 pesado

🇹🇷 ağır

🇰🇷 무거운

🇸🇦 ثقيل

🇨🇿 těžkopádný

🇸🇰 ťažkopádny

🇨🇳 笨重的

🇸🇮 težak

🇮🇸 þungur

🇰🇿 ауыр

🇬🇪 მძიმე

🇦🇿 ağır

🇲🇽 pesado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,687, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17684 staid
17685 bewilderment
17686 spongy
17687 lumbering
17688 arranges
17689 uncomplicated
17690 curd
...