What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bulky
Example
The old television set was too bulky to fit in the small living room. [bulky: adjective]
Example
She struggled to lift the bulky box onto the shelf. [bulky: adjective]
cumbersome
Example
The new furniture was so cumbersome to assemble that it took hours. [cumbersome: adjective]
Example
Carrying the heavy backpack on his long hike was cumbersome. [cumbersome: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bulky is more commonly used than cumbersome in everyday language. Bulky is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while cumbersome is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bulky and cumbersome?
Both bulky and cumbersome are generally considered informal words. However, bulky can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while cumbersome is more commonly used in informal conversations or writing.
