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

Many of the troublesome innings have been a little weird, too. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Zoe questions why Anna chose to ride out on Ace, a horse that’s considered to be troublesome by the other rangers. — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

My own reading of the accounts, assisted by the extensive readings and research of Sandra Desmond, shows me that the accounts are troublesome in that way. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

The systems ranked in the top 10 most-troublesome vehicle features in every year since 2022, according to researcher JD Power. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 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