Word
meddling
Phoneticsmed·dling
US/ˈmɛdəɫɪŋ/
UK/mˈɛdlɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“I am tired of my neighbor's constant meddling in my life.”
“The manager's constant meddling in the creative process eventually led the lead designer to resign in frustration.”
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Real-World Examples
“The state department has denied claims the US is meddling in Brazil’s election.” “Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, has warned of Russia meddling in his country’s elections next year.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/meddling