bothering
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for bothering, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of annoying or troubling someone.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “bothering” mean?
The word “bothering” means the act of annoying or troubling someone. In plain terms, the ongoing act of annoying someone, or something that keeps causing that annoyance.
How do you use “bothering” in a sentence?
Here is “bothering” used in a sentence: “His constant bothering finally got on her nerves.”
What part of speech is “bothering”?
Depending on how it is used, “bothering” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “bothering” a common word?
“Bothering” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “bothering” have?
“Bothering” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of annoying or troubling someone.
What is the difference between "bothering" and "bothersome"?
"Bothering" is the -ing form of the verb "bother," describing the ongoing act of annoying or troubling someone, as in "his bothering was constant." "Bothersome" is an adjective describing something inherently annoying, such as "a bothersome noise," rather than an action in progress.
What does it mean when someone says "don't bother"?
"Don't bother" is a common phrase meaning there's no need to make the effort, using the base verb "bother" rather than its -ing form "bothering," which refers to the act of annoying or troubling someone.
Can "bothering" be used as an adjective?
Yes, "bothering" can function as an adjective meaning causing annoyance or worry, as in "a bothering thought," though "bothersome" or "troubling" are more common in this role.