What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incumber
Example
The heavy backpack incumbered the hiker's progress up the mountain. [incumber: verb]
Example
The incumber of debt made it difficult for the company to expand. [incumber: noun]
encumber
Example
The overgrown bushes encumbered the path through the forest. [encumber: verb]
Example
The encumber of bureaucracy slowed down the implementation of the new policy. [encumber: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Encumber is more commonly used than incumber in modern English.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incumber and encumber?
Encumber is more formal than incumber and is more likely to be used in academic or professional writing.
