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.
Rider Strong as Shawn Hunter Strong played Cory's charming but somewhat troublesome bestie, Shawn. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025 Sound is a key part of the equation, and Ferrari has come up with a novel solution to the troublesome silence of a modern EV. Tim Stevens, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025 The results could help scientists plan future Mars missions by accounting for the troublesome dust that coats rover solar panels and whips across landing sites during descent, the researchers say. Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025 The next offseason the Dolphins failed to address troublesome areas on the roster, whiffed on free agents and draft picks yet again, and when Tua Tagovailoa missed six and a half games because of a concussion and hip issues Miami finished 2024 with a 8-9 record. Omar Kelly updated October 6, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 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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