English Reference
Noun

meddling

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈmɛdəɫɪŋ/ UK /mˈɛdlɪŋ/ med·dling

n.the act of getting involved in someone else's business when you are not wanted. It usually makes a situation worse or annoys the people involved.

n.unwanted or intrusive interference in the affairs of others. Often carries a negative connotation of causing complication or irritation.


SIMPLE

I am tired of my neighbor's constant meddling in my life.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager's constant meddling in the creative process eventually led the lead designer to resign in frustration.

COMPLEX

While some viewed the policy as necessary oversight, others decried it as bureaucratic meddling that stifled local innovation and ignored the specific needs of the community.

Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has warned of Russia meddling in his country’s elections next year.

The Guardian· 5 Sept 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated