something that encumbers; something burdensome, useless, or superfluous; burden; hindrance

Poverty was a lifelong encumbrance.

a dependent person, esp. a child.

Law . a burden or claim on property, as a mortgage.

noun

albatross , ball and chain , cross , debt , duty , guilt , handicap , hindrance , impediment , load , millstone , monkey on one’s back , obstruction , responsibility , saddle , thorn in one’s side , weight , worry , complication , difficulty , embarrassment , incubus , obstacle , perplexity