troublesome

adjective

trou·​ble·​some ˈtrə-bəl-səm How to pronounce troublesome (audio)
1
2
: giving trouble or anxiety : vexatious
troublesome news
troublesomely adverb
troublesomeness noun

Examples of troublesome in a Sentence

the troublesome news that there will be more cuts in the school budget
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That is probably true – but only makes the current freefall more troublesome. Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 14 Aug. 2025 Florida’s wildlife commissioners set aside pleas and arguments from black bear advocates today and approved a December hunt of the state’s shy but increasingly troublesome species. Stephen Hudak, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2025 Subsidies are no longer particularly troublesome for one simple reason: Trump, during his first term, and former President Joe Biden during his term, failed to appoint appellate judges to the WTO after it was left with just one of seven judges. Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Above-ground tree roots can be just as troublesome and require special attention. Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for troublesome

Word History

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of troublesome was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Troublesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troublesome. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

troublesome

adjective
trou·​ble·​some ˈtrəb-əl-səm How to pronounce troublesome (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on troublesome

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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