headache
n.-
1 physical pain (n.) A2 Elementary Medicinea pain or ache inside your head.
a continuous pain in the head, ranging from mild discomfort to severe migraine.
ExampleI need to lie down because I have a terrible headache from the loud music.
ExampleThe patient reported a persistent, throbbing headache that worsened whenever he was exposed to bright fluorescent lighting.
PitfallI have a head ache.I have a headache.Headache is written as one single word, not two separate words.
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2 a problem (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalsomething that causes you a lot of worry or trouble.
a person or situation that causes significant annoyance, worry, or difficulty. Often used in professional or logistical contexts.
ExampleOrganising the office party was a real headache because everyone wanted different food.
ExampleThe sudden change in tax regulations has created a major administrative headache for small business owners across the country.
From Middle English hevedeche, from Old English hēafodeċe, equivalent to head + ache.