troublemaker

noun

trou·​ble·​mak·​er ˈtrə-bəl-ˌmā-kər 

: a person who consciously or unconsciously causes trouble

troublemaking

ˈtrə-bəl-ˌmā-kiŋ 

adjective or noun

Examples of troublemaker in a Sentence

He had the reputation of being a troublemaker in high school.

Recent Examples on the Web

My older brother was a troublemaker, so there’s no hope for me. —Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025

With a goal to graduate high school and become a mechanic, Kim began attending a continuation school for troublemakers and kids at risk of dropping out. —Will Yakowicz, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

If parents can’t keep their troublemakers in check, no one can. —Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2025

Their friendship went through many ups and downs, considering Trachtenberg's character, Georgina Sparks, was one of the series' most diabolical troublemakers. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for troublemaker

• automaker
• boilermaker
• cabinetmaker
• coffeemaker
• undertaker
• blackacre
• caretaker
• clockmaker
• dressmaker
• filmmaker
• homemaker
• icebreaker

Kids Definition

troublemaker

noun

trou·​ble·​mak·​er ˈtrəb-əl-ˌmā-kər 

: a person who causes problems or disagreements