trouble
TRUH-buhl
Trouble (noun) means a difficult, worrying, or dangerous situation or problem. Example: “The hikers got into trouble when thick fog covered the mountain path.”
noun
1
A difficult, worrying, or dangerous situation or problem.
"The hikers got into trouble when thick fog covered the mountain path."
"She's in trouble with her boss after missing the deadline."
"The old car has been nothing but trouble since we bought it."
verb
1
To cause someone worry, distress, or inconvenience.
"The noise from the street didn't trouble her while she studied."
"It troubles me that he hasn't called back yet."
"Sorry to trouble you, but could you pass the salt?"
How to use trouble
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA problem or source of worry, or the act of causing someone worry or extra effort.
Common mistake
"Trouble" is usually uncountable when it means general difficulty ("in trouble"), but countable when it means specific problems ("money troubles").
Common pairings
get into trouble
take the trouble to
no trouble at all
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Word forms
- Plural
- troubles
- Third person singular
- troubles
- Past tense
- troubled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hikers got into _____ when thick fog covered the mountain path.
Etymology
From Old French troubler, "to disturb or stir up," ultimately from a Latin root meaning a disorderly crowd — the same idea of things being "stirred up" survives in the modern sense.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for trouble
See all rhymes for trouble →Frequently asked questions
What does “trouble” mean?
The word “trouble” means a difficult, worrying, or dangerous situation or problem. In plain terms, a problem or source of worry, or the act of causing someone worry or extra effort.
How do you pronounce “trouble”?
“Trouble” is pronounced TRUH-buhl (/ˈtɹʌbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “trouble” in a sentence?
Here is “trouble” used in a sentence: “She's in trouble with her boss after missing the deadline.”
What part of speech is “trouble”?
Depending on how it is used, “trouble” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “trouble” come from?
The word “trouble” comes from Latin. From Old French troubler, "to disturb or stir up," ultimately from a Latin root meaning a disorderly crowd — the same idea of things being "stirred up" survives in the modern sense.
Is “trouble” a common word?
“Trouble” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “trouble” have?
“Trouble” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a difficult, worrying, or dangerous situation or problem.
What is the difference between trouble and a problem?
A problem is usually a specific issue to be solved, like a broken engine or a tricky sum. Trouble is broader — a state of difficulty, worry, or danger that a problem can cause. You solve a problem, but you get into, or stay out of, trouble. Trouble also carries more emotional weight.
Is 'trouble' countable or uncountable?
Usually uncountable: you have 'some trouble' or 'a lot of trouble,' not 'a trouble.' However, it can be countable in the plural when referring to particular difficulties, as in 'engine troubles' or 'financial troubles.' The singular 'a trouble' is rare and generally sounds unnatural in modern English.
What are common phrases using 'trouble'?
English has many: 'in trouble' (facing punishment or danger), 'asking for trouble' (inviting problems), 'troublemaker' (someone who causes disruption), and 'the trouble with…' (the drawback of something). There's also 'take the trouble,' meaning to make a special effort to do something despite the inconvenience.
What is the opposite of trouble?
Depending on the sense, opposites include 'ease,' 'peace,' 'calm,' and 'comfort.' Where trouble means difficulty, its opposite is smoothness or convenience; where it means worry or danger, the opposite is security and tranquillity. There's no single antonym, since 'trouble' covers several related ideas.
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