Word
troublemaker
Phoneticstrou·ble·mak·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹəbəɫˌmeɪkɝ/
UK/tɹˈʌbəlmˌeɪkɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone who causes problems or makes things difficult for others. You use this to describe a person who likes to start arguments or break rules.
n. a person who causes problems, difficulties, or disruptions. Often carries a negative connotation of intentional mischief or defiance.
Examples
“The teacher sent the troublemaker to the office.”
“He was known as a troublemaker in school because he always started fights with the other students.”
“While some view the new policy as a necessary reform, others see the architect of the change as a troublemaker who deliberately seeks to destabilize the status quo.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher sent the troublemaker to the office.”
contextual
“He was known as a troublemaker in school because he always started fights with the other students.”
complex
“While some view the new policy as a necessary reform, others see the architect of the change as a troublemaker who deliberately seeks to destabilize the status quo.”
Etymology
From trouble + make + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/troublemaker