cumbersome Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite difficult to handle or use especially because of size or weight
    cumbrous.
    • a cumbersome piece of machinery
    • cumbrous protective clothing
  2. adjective satellite not elegant or graceful in expression
    awkward; inept; ill-chosen; inapt; clumsy.
    • an awkward prose style
    • a clumsy apology
    • his cumbersome writing style
    • if the rumor is true, can anything be more inept than to repeat it now?

WordNet

Cum"ber*some adjective
Definitions
  1. Burdensome or hindering, as a weight or drag; embarrassing; vexatious; cumbrous.
    To perform a cumbersome obedience. Sir. P. Sidney.
  2. Not easily managed; as, a cumbersome contrivance or machine.
    He holds them in utter contempt, as lumbering, cumbersome, circuitous. I. Taylor.
    -- Cum"ber*some*ly, adv. -- Cum"ber*some*ness,n.

Webster 1913