# bane

/ˈbeɪn/ (US) · /bˈeɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bane
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

something that causes constant trouble, worry, or unhappiness. You use this to describe the one thing that always makes your life difficult.

For teachers: a cause of continuous distress or annoyance. Often used in the fixed phrase 'the bane of someone's existence' to describe a persistent source of frustration.

## Examples

- The noisy neighbors are the bane of my life.
- Constant technical glitches proved to be the bane of the project, delaying the launch by several months.
- While the new software promised efficiency, its steep learning curve and frequent crashes became the bane of the administrative staff, who preferred the older, more reliable system.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in the singular and followed by the preposition 'of'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.