noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

nuisance

NYOO-suhns

Nuisance (noun) means a minor annoyance or source of inconvenience. Example: “The dripping tap was a constant nuisance.”

noun

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."

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

nuisances plural

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Fill the gap

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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".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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faff grievance hassle irritation palaver peeve plague trouble vexation

Antonyms

enjoyment

Related words

problem fun wife disease worry trouble harry pleasure

Rhymes for nuisance

lance dance Nance seance chance nuance trance stance glance balance advance finance

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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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