troublesome
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈʌbəlsˌʌm/
US
- /ˈtrəbəlsəm/
Description
- causing difficulty
- annoying
- problematic
Something troublesome is not just hard; it causes problems and makes life more difficult. Think of a puppy chewing your favorite shoes, a math problem that keeps confusing you, or an engine that will not stop stalling. It can describe people, situations, or things. A troublesome neighbor might play loud music late at night. The word often suggests something that is both annoying and hard to deal with.
Imagine an old road full of potholes and sharp turns. Driving on it is troublesome because it keeps causing problems. The word "troublesome" describes something that brings difficulty, annoyance, or extra worry. It is not only hard; it also tends to create trouble for the people dealing with it.
You can use it for people, things, or situations. A troublesome child may keep breaking rules or getting into mischief. A troublesome machine may stop working again and again. A troublesome situation may be one that is hard to solve and keeps getting worse. Even a small thing, like a leaky faucet or a noisy pipe, can be troublesome if it keeps bothering you.
The word is often used when something needs more time, patience, or effort than it should. It suggests repeated difficulty, not just a one-time problem. If something keeps getting in the way, causing stress, or making an ordinary task harder, "troublesome" is a natural word to use.
Examples
- 1
Household problem
We still have a troublesome leak under the kitchen sink.
- 2
Health problem
She's been dealing with a troublesome cough that keeps her awake at night.
- 3
Classroom behavior
The most troublesome students were asked to stay after class.
- 4
Application process
The visa application can be troublesome if you leave it until the last minute.
- 5
Small business
Rising insurance costs are especially troublesome for small businesses.
Pattern
troublesome for + person/group
causing problems for them
- 6
Legal risk
A small mistake in the contract could prove troublesome later.
Phrase
prove troublesome
turn out to cause problems
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- troublesomeadjective