nuisance
NYOO-suhns
Nuisance (noun) means a minor annoyance or source of inconvenience. Example: “The dripping tap was a constant nuisance.”
noun
1
A minor annoyance or source of inconvenience.
"The dripping tap was a constant nuisance."
"Her little brother could be a real nuisance when he wanted attention."
2
In law, something harmful or offensive to the public or to an individual, for which there may be a legal remedy.
"The neighbours sued over the factory's noise as a public nuisance."
How to use nuisance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething or someone annoying that gets in the way of your comfort or peace.
Common mistake
Nuisance is uncountable in most everyday use ("such a nuisance"), but can take "a" when referring to a specific person or thing causing trouble.
Common pairings
a public nuisance
make a nuisance of yourself
what a nuisance
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Word forms
- Plural
- nuisances
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dripping tap was a constant _____.
Etymology
From Old French nuisance, "harm", ultimately from Latin nocere, "to hurt" — the same root that gives us "innocent" and "noxious".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for nuisance
See all rhymes for nuisance →Frequently asked questions
What does “nuisance” mean?
The word “nuisance” means a minor annoyance or source of inconvenience. In plain terms, something or someone annoying that gets in the way of your comfort or peace.
How do you pronounce “nuisance”?
“Nuisance” is pronounced NYOO-suhns (/ˈnuː.səns/ in IPA).
How do you use “nuisance” in a sentence?
Here is “nuisance” used in a sentence: “The dripping tap was a constant nuisance.”
What is another word for “nuisance”?
Words with a similar meaning to “nuisance” include faff, grievance, hassle, irritation, palaver and peeve.
What is the opposite of “nuisance”?
The opposite of “nuisance” — its antonyms — is enjoyment.
What part of speech is “nuisance”?
“Nuisance” is a noun.
Where does the word “nuisance” come from?
The word “nuisance” comes from Latin. From Old French nuisance, "harm", ultimately from Latin nocere, "to hurt" — the same root that gives us "innocent" and "noxious".
Is “nuisance” a common word?
“Nuisance” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
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