troublesome

adjective

trou·​ble·​some ˈtrə-bəl-səm 

1

: difficult, burdensome

2

: giving trouble or anxiety : vexatious

troublesome news

troublesomely adverb

troublesomeness noun

Synonyms

• discomforting
• discomposing
• disquieting
• distressing
• disturbing
• nagging
• nasty
• perturbing
• troubling
• troublous
• unsettling
• upsetting
• worrisome

Examples of troublesome in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

From his point of view, opposition at home has been quelled, sometimes murderously, and troublesome organizations such as the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Putin but is now facing U.S. sanctions, are in Trump's crosshairs too. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Suggested Reading Why big banks are transporting billions of dollars worth of gold on planes Hertz is finally done selling its troublesome Teslas — and the stock falls 10% Disney is pulling back on trigger warnings for old movies Palantir TK. Tesla. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 13 Feb. 2025

In the past six months, an issue has arisen that’s becoming increasingly troublesome. —Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025

Recently, an issue has arisen that’s becoming increasingly troublesome. —Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2025

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