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

When lighting a miniature proved troublesome, the crew employed motion-control rigs to capture multiple exposures, enabling the lighting to be adjusted later in compositing. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Experts aren’t sure why foods that were once tolerated can suddenly become troublesome like this. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026

The heating oil situation is particularly troublesome here for low-to-moderate residents who rely on the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program to keep warm. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026

Some oil tankers have made their way through the strait, but LNG tankers are a more troublesome target, according to Robin Mills, a non-resident fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy and CEO of Qamar Energy. — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026