ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bothering

v. · adj. · n.
US //ˈbɑðɝɪŋ// UK //bˈɒðəɹɪŋ// both·er·ing
  1. 1 annoying or disturbing (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    annoying someone or making them feel slightly unhappy.

    causing annoyance, disturbance, or minor psychological distress to another person.

    Example

    Stop bothering your sister while she is trying to do her homework.

    Example

    The persistent noise from the construction site was bothering the residents, making it impossible for them to concentrate on their work.
  2. 2 worrying you (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    making you feel worried or concerned about something.

    causing a person to feel concerned, anxious, or uneasy.

    Example

    Something has been bothering me about the news I heard today.

    Example

    The ethical implications of the new corporate policy were clearly bothering the senior staff, though few spoke up during the meeting.
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  1. 3 annoying (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing something that is irritating or causes trouble.

    causing irritation or annoyance; often used to describe persistent minor problems.

    Example

    He has a bothering cough that has lasted for over a week.

    Example

    The software had a few bothering glitches that, while not fatal to the system, significantly slowed down the user's workflow.
  2. 4 the act of disturbing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of disturbing someone or taking the time to do something.

    the action of troubling or disturbing someone; the expenditure of effort on a task.

    Example

    I am sorry for the bothering, but I have a quick question.

    Example

    The constant bothering by telemarketers led the family to change their home phone number after years of use.

    Usage

    Often used in the gerund form to describe the process of being interrupted.

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