troublesome

adjective

trou·​ble·​some ˈtrə-bəl-səm 

1

: difficult, burdensome

a troublesome neighbor

2

: giving trouble or anxiety : vexatious

troublesome news

troublesomely adverb

troublesomeness noun

Synonyms of troublesome

• disturbing
• unsettling
• troubling
• nasty
• frightening

Examples of troublesome in a Sentence

the troublesome news that there will be more cuts in the school budget

Recent Examples on the Web

Seen through that lens, AI is not troublesome in its own right, but rather whether it is positioned as inclusive or extractive. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026

The covenant — including troublesome terms like those born on the island being unable to leave on pain of death — only ends when Warren’s bloodline does, too. —Alison Herman, Variety, 17 June 2026

Assess Your Home’s Ductwork While some low-effort quick fixes can help, Anthony Smith, director at Midland Air Conditioning, thinks troublesome airflow might come from your home’s ductwork. —Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 17 June 2026

That production has eclipsed the concerning stage and is now downright troublesome. —Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 16 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

troublesome

adjective

trou·​ble·​some ˈtrəb-əl-səm 

1

: requiring or involving continued or tiring effort, attention, or study : difficult, burdensome

a troublesome task

2

: giving trouble or anxiety

troublesome news

troublesomely adverb