WordGarden.iotrouble
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈʌbəl/
US
- /ˈtrəbəl/
Meanings
Noun
difficulty, problems, or a bad situation
conflict with the law or with other authority after wrongdoing
effort, inconvenience, or bother taken on to do something
Verb
to make someone worried, upset, or bothered
to inconvenience someone or ask them to make an effort
Beyond the definition
Trouble is not always a big disaster; it can be as simple as losing your keys when you are already late or as serious as money problems or illness. It refers to anything that causes difficulty, worry, stress, or inconvenience. A child may get into trouble by breaking a rule. Someone can be in trouble when they are in a hard situation. You can also talk about engine trouble, family trouble, or signs that trouble is coming. The word can describe something you cause, something that happens to you, or something you fear may happen soon.
The word "trouble" covers a wide range of difficult situations, from small everyday problems to serious crises. It often suggests not only that something is wrong, but also that it brings worry, stress, pain, or extra effort. If your computer stops working before a deadline, you are having trouble. If a teenager breaks the rules at school, they may get into trouble. If a family is dealing with debt or illness, they may be going through a time of trouble.
The word is very flexible in English. It can describe a general problem, as in car trouble or engine trouble. It can describe bad behavior and its results, as in get into trouble with the police or be in trouble with your parents. It can also describe difficulty doing something, as in have trouble sleeping, have trouble understanding, or have trouble finding the right words. In this use, it means that something is hard for you to do.
Sometimes "trouble" points to a warning sign. You might say I can see trouble ahead when you expect conflict or a bad result. In a more emotional sense, a person can be troubled, which means worried, upset, or not at peace. A thing can also be troublesome if it keeps causing problems.
In everyday English, "trouble" is common because it works in many kinds of situations: practical problems, emotional pain, rule-breaking, future danger, and difficulty with an action. Whether it is a small annoyance or a serious problem, the word usually tells you that something is not going smoothly and needs attention.
Examples
- 1
Car problem
We had some trouble with the car on the way home.
- 2
Sleep problem
I've been having trouble sleeping lately.
- 3
School discipline
He got into trouble for skipping class again.
- 4
Business crisis
The company is in serious trouble after losing its biggest customer.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Classroom behavior
A few boys were making trouble at the back of the class.
- Phrasemake trouble
behave in a way that causes problems
- 6
Polite concern
I don't want to be any trouble, so I'll just make a sandwich.
- Phrasebe any trouble
cause extra work or inconvenience
- 7
Extra effort
He went to a lot of trouble to find the book I wanted.
- Phrasego to a lot of trouble
make a big effort
- 8
Polite request
Sorry to trouble you, but could you sign this before lunch?
- Patterntrouble + person
bother someone by asking them to do something
- 9
No extra effort
Don't trouble yourself; I can carry the boxes.
- Phrasetrouble yourself
make a special effort
- 10
Worry
The sudden change in his behavior is starting to trouble me.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- in trouble
- cause trouble
- get into trouble
- have trouble with
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- troublenounverb
Forms
- troublespluralnounverb
- troubledpast tenseverbnoun
- troubling-ing formverbnoun