troublesome

adjective

trou·​ble·​some ˈtrə-bəl-səm How to pronounce troublesome (audio)
Synonyms of troublesomenext
1
: difficult, burdensome
a troublesome neighbor
2
: giving trouble or anxiety : vexatious
troublesome news
troublesomely adverb
troublesomeness noun

Synonyms of troublesome

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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.
Astronomers were left with the troublesome task of pairing up two weird objects, smushing them together and hoping to get Lucifer as a result. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026 This roster’s lack of depth is troublesome, but if everyone who is playing now continues to contribute, remains healthy, grows and develops, this team will eventually find a way to win games. — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

troubleshooter
troublesome
trouble spot
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Troublesome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troublesome. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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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
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