# nuisance

/ˈnusəns/ (US) · /njˈuːsəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nuisance
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. an annoyance

noun · CEFR B2

something or someone that is annoying or causes a small problem.

For teachers: a person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance. Often used with 'a' when referring to a specific instance.

- It is a real nuisance when the bus is late and I miss my train.
- The constant construction noise next door has become a significant nuisance for the residents who work from home during the day.

### 2. legal violation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

something that is harmful or offensive to the community and can be stopped by the law.

For teachers: an unlawful interference with a person's use or enjoyment of land, or of a right common to the general public.

- The factory was sued for being a public nuisance because of the bad smell.
- The court issued an injunction against the nightclub, ruling that the excessive late-night bass levels constituted a private nuisance to the neighbouring property owners.

Usage: Often categorised as either 'public nuisance' or 'private nuisance' in legal contexts.

## Examples

- The loud music from next door is a real nuisance.
- The local council declared the abandoned building a public nuisance because it attracted pests and was unsafe for children.
- While a single instance of a barking dog might be overlooked, a persistent and nocturnal habit can legally be classified as a private nuisance if it prevents neighbors from sleeping.

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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.