# meddling

/ˈmɛdəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /mˈɛdlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/meddling
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.