Synonyms of troublesome

troublesome

adjective

ˈtrə-bəl-səm 

as in disturbing

causing worry or anxiety

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disturbing
• unsettling
• troubling
• nasty
• frightening
• upsetting
• scary
• worrisome
• distressing
• nagging
• disquieting
• discomforting
• terrible
• perturbing
• troublous
• horrible
• shocking
• terrifying
• discouraging
• daunting
• dire
• discomposing
• disconcerting
• dismaying
• direful
• dreadful
• demoralizing
• disheartening
• alarming
• fearful
• dispiriting
• dread
• formidable
• discomfiting
• chilling
• horrifying
• forbidding
• ghastly
• fearsome
• frightful
• intimidating
• horrendous
• persecutory
• harassing
• persecutive
• hair-raising

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reassuring
• settling
• soothing
• calming
• narcotic
• dreamy
• relaxing
• comforting
• sedative
• quieting
• inviting
• tranquilizing
• consoling
• pacifying
• lulling

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of troublesome

That is, they're probably designed to knock out key systems of adversary satellites rather than destroy the entire spacecraft (which would create a cloud of potentially troublesome debris). — Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2026

That could be troublesome behavior for some individuals who should realistically prioritize building an emergency savings fund or paying down debt over going on vacation. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2026

Given their performances and results — a vivid draw at home to Liverpool and an excellent victory away to Tottenham — this felt more like a quirk than a troublesome theme. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026

Now a second Times report notes that concern over the choice of honoree has only become more troublesome since that first article was published a month ago. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Aug. 2026