unencumbered

adjective

un·​en·​cum·​bered ˌən-in-ˈkəm-bərd How to pronounce unencumbered (audio)
: free of encumbrance
unencumbered property
felt unencumbered by responsibilities while on vacation

Examples of unencumbered in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Today, advanced democracies around the world need to give serious attention to institutional rebirth—rebuilding state agencies into departments of now, unencumbered by people, precepts, and processes of past eras. — Jennifer Pahlka, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 It was initially budgeted at $500,000 using unencumbered funds from the city’s Solid Waste Capital Fund. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Tens of thousands of gallons of fluid spilled from the open pit, urged on by heavy spring rains and unencumbered by an emergency pump disabled by a power failure. — Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 Below, the best phone bags for days spent blissfully unencumbered. — Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for unencumbered

Word History

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unencumbered was in 1722

Rhymes for unencumbered

See All Rhymes for unencumbered

Browse Nearby Words

unencrypted
unencumbered
unencysted
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Cite this Entry

“Unencumbered.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unencumbered. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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