lumber with

B2 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To make someone deal with something really annoying or difficult that they didn't want or ask for.

Literal meaning: 'Lumber' originally referred to unused heavy objects stored awkwardly; being 'lumbered with' something evokes being weighed down by a cumbersome load.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To give someone an unwanted, difficult, or inconvenient responsibility or task, typically without their agreement.

"I was lumbered with organizing the whole event just because I mentioned it first."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To find oneself stuck with an unpleasant person, obligation, or situation.

"He ended up lumbered with his cousin's dog for the entire summer."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Predominantly British English. Almost always used in the passive: 'She was lumbered with the job.' The active form exists ('They lumbered him with the task') but is less frequent. Carries a clear negative connotation — the recipient didn't choose the burden.

Commonly used with

debt responsibility task children bill problem

Forms

Base

lumber with

I/you/we/they

3rd person

lumbers with

he/she/it

Past simple

lumbered with

yesterday

Past participle

lumbered with

have + pp

-ing form

lumbering with

continuous

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Synonyms

saddle with burden with land with land someone in it stick with load with

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