English Reference
Noun

troublemaker

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US /ˈtɹəbəɫˌmeɪkɝ/ UK /tɹˈʌbəlmˌeɪkɐ/ trou·ble·mak·er UK spelling troublemaker's, troublemaker's

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.


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.


From trouble + make + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated