Word
troubles
Phoneticstrou·bles, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹəbəɫz/
UK/tɹˈʌbəlz/
Definitions
01problems or worries
A2 · Elementary Plural noun
n. problems, difficulties, or things that make you feel worried.
n. multiple instances of difficulty, distress, or personal anxiety.
“She shared her troubles with her best friend over a cup of tea.”
“Despite his financial troubles, he remained optimistic about the long-term success of his small business venture.”
Synonyms
02the conflict in Northern Ireland
C1 · Advanced Plural noun British English · Formal
n. the period of violent conflict in Northern Ireland from the 1960s to the 1990s.
n. the period of ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland, typically dated from the late 1960s to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
“Many books have been written about the history of the Troubles in Belfast.”
“The peace process was designed to bring a definitive end to the Troubles, which had devastated communities across Northern Ireland for decades.”
Usage
Always used with 'the' and usually capitalized as 'the Troubles'.
Teaching tip
This is a specific historical term; outside of an Irish or British historical context, 'troubles' just means general problems.
Synonyms
Idioms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/troubles