troublemaker
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈʌbəlmˌeɪkə/
US
- /ˈtrəbəlˌmeɪkər/
Description
- Someone who causes problems
- disruptive
- mischievous
- agitator
A troublemaker is someone who tends to cause problems, stir things up, or make life harder for other people. Sometimes the word is used in a light, playful way, like for a child who keeps playing pranks or a puppy that chews everything in sight. Other times, it has a more negative meaning and describes a person who keeps disrupting a group, breaking rules, or starting conflict. Context matters. You might smile and call your little brother a troublemaker after he hides your shoes, but the word can also describe someone who keeps creating tension at school, at work, or in a community.
The word "troublemaker" describes a person who causes difficulties, problems, or disruption. It can be used playfully for someone mischievous, like a child pulling pranks or a pet getting into things it should not. More often, though, it has a negative meaning and suggests someone who keeps creating conflict, breaking rules, or upsetting other people.
The level of trouble can vary a lot. A troublemaker might be a student who keeps interrupting class, a worker who starts arguments, or a person who often pushes others into conflict. The word usually implies an active role in creating problems. It does not mean someone who is simply in trouble; it means someone who tends to cause it.
Sometimes the label is also used unfairly. People who question rules, challenge authority, or push for change may be called troublemakers by those who do not like disruption. In that sense, the word can depend a lot on point of view. What one person sees as causing trouble, another may see as speaking up or trying to improve something.
In the end, "troublemaker" usually suggests someone annoying, disruptive, or hard to manage, but the tone depends on the situation. It can describe anything from harmless mischief to repeated bad behavior, and in some cases it may even be used for someone who challenges the usual way of doing things.
Examples
- 1
Classroom behavior
The teacher kept an eye on Ben because he was a troublemaker in class.
- 2
Family teasing
My younger brother is a little troublemaker, but he can be very funny too.
- 3
Event security
The security guards asked the troublemakers to leave after the concert.
- 4
Workplace reputation
She has a reputation as a troublemaker, so some people avoid working with her.
Pattern
have a reputation as + role/type
be known by many people as that
- 5
Unfair label
He only complained about the unsafe equipment, but the boss treated him like a troublemaker.
Pattern
treat someone like a troublemaker
act as if they are causing problems, even if they are not
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- troublemakernoun
Forms
- troublemakerspluralnoun