# troublemaker

/ˈtɹəbəɫˌmeɪkɝ/ (US) · /tɹˈʌbəlmˌeɪkɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/troublemaker
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

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.