# encumbrance

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɪnˈkʌm.bɹəns/ · frequency rank #76,754

## Definitions
1. Something that encumbers; a burden that must be carried.
2. Alternative spelling of incumbrance (“in law: interest attached to a title; dependent”).
3. The state or condition of being encumbered.

## Etymology
From Middle English encombraunce, from Old French encombrance, from encombrer.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/encumbrance