Word
bothersome
Phoneticsboth·er·some, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɑðɝsəm/
UK/bˈɒðəsˌʌm/
Definition
adj. causing you trouble or making you feel slightly annoyed. You use this to describe something that is not a big problem but is still irritating.
adj. causing annoyance, impatience, or mild trouble. Often used to describe persistent but relatively minor inconveniences.
Examples
“The fly in the room was very bothersome.”
“Having to fill out the same paperwork every week is a bothersome task for the office staff.”
“While the injury was not life-threatening, the bothersome ache in his knee prevented him from participating in the marathon he had trained for all year.”
Examples
simple
“The fly in the room was very bothersome.”
contextual
“Having to fill out the same paperwork every week is a bothersome task for the office staff.”
complex
“While the injury was not life-threatening, the bothersome ache in his knee prevented him from participating in the marathon he had trained for all year.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bothersome” in context.
Verb
01. bothersome to
“The bright flashing lights were particularly bothersome to people with migraines.”
adj + prep
02. consider bothersome
“The committee considered the administrative delays to be bothersome but necessary.”
verb + adj
03. find bothersome
“Many users find the new software interface quite bothersome to navigate.”
verb + adj
Adjective
04. highly bothersome
“The constant noise from the construction site was highly bothersome to the residents.”
adv + adj
05. increasingly bothersome
“His persistent cough became increasingly bothersome as the week went on.”
adv + adj
Noun
06. bothersome habit
“He has a bothersome habit of interrupting people before they finish their sentences.”
adj + noun
07. bothersome task
“Filling out the tax forms proved to be a bothersome task for the small business owner.”
adj + noun
08. a bit bothersome
“The slight delay in the flight schedule was a bit bothersome for the travelers.”
09. prove to be bothersome
“The minor technical glitch proved to be bothersome during the live presentation.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“On the contrary, the other is excessively loud and bothersome in every aspect of his behavior—not just when it comes to eating.” “Window shades that stick, unroll on their own, or unexpectedly fly up can be quite bothersome and are certainly an inconvenience that no one should have to endure.” “Seen as outdated and bothersome, it's frequently overlooked, taking up valuable storage space on our phones, especially if you have a relative who tends to ramble.” “During a speech on Capitol Hill, directed at an audience displeased with intrusive journalism, Roosevelt used the term as a derogatory label for reporters who were perceived as bothersome.” Etymology
From bother + -some. The term first appears in English in the early 19th century as a compound for that which causes irritation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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