Incumbrance

An incumbrance is something that burdens or impedes; a hindrance or obstruction. It can refer to a financial liability, a legal claim on property, or a general impediment to movement, action, or progress. It suggests a weight, a drag, or a restraint. Incumbrances can be tangible, like physical objects, or intangible, like obligations or emotional baggage. They often make something more difficult to manage or to enjoy fully. The term highlights a reduction in freedom or ease, something that complicates a situation or adds an unwanted layer of difficulty. An incumbrance is something that one has to take into account.

Incumbrance meaning with examples

• The heavy backpack was a significant incumbrance on the hiker's progress, slowing their ascent of the steep mountain trail. They regretted not having packed lighter.
• The unexpected legal fees became an unwelcome financial incumbrance, forcing the company to postpone its planned expansion. They faced a tight budget.
• Feeling weighed down by emotional incumbrances, Sarah found it difficult to enjoy the social gathering, preferring to stay on the sidelines rather than interact with the others.
• The dilapidated fence served as an incumbrance to the view, obstructing the beautiful landscape. It was a definite eyesore and something that had to be replaced.
• The loan repayment schedule was a long-term incumbrance for the small business, impacting its cash flow and making investment more challenging to achieve.