Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun encumbrance

3 senses of encumbrance

Sense 1
burden, load, encumbrance, incumbrance, onus -- (an onerous or difficult concern; "the burden of responsibility"; "that's a load off my mind")
       => concern, worry, headache, vexation -- (something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness; "New York traffic is a constant concern"; "it's a major worry")

Sense 2
encumbrance, incumbrance -- (a charge against property (as a lien or mortgage))
       => charge -- (financial liabilities (such as a tax); "the charges against the estate")

Sense 3
hindrance, hinderance, hitch, preventive, preventative, encumbrance, incumbrance, interference -- (any obstruction that impedes or is burdensome)
       => obstruction, obstructor, obstructer, impediment, impedimenta -- (any structure that makes progress difficult)