Word
troubling
Phoneticstrou·bling
US/ˈtɹəbəɫɪŋ/
UK/tɹˈʌblɪŋ/
Definitions
01worrying or distressing
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. causing you to feel worried or concerned.
adj. causing distress, anxiety, or concern; often used to describe news, trends, or evidence that suggests a problem.
“The doctor found some troubling signs in the blood test results.”
“The report highlighted several troubling discrepancies in the company's financial records that suggested potential fraud.”
Usage
Commonly modifies nouns like 'news', 'trend', 'signs', or 'development'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02causing worry or pain
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the act of bothering someone or causing them physical pain.
v. the present participle of 'trouble', used to describe the ongoing act of causing distress, discomfort, or physical ailment.
“My old knee injury has been troubling me again since the weather turned cold.”
“The ethical implications of the new policy were clearly troubling the board members during the long afternoon session.”
Synonyms
03the act of causing distress
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of causing trouble or worry to someone.
n. the gerundial noun referring to the infliction of distress or the process of causing difficulty.
“He apologised for the troubling of his neighbours during the late-night move.”
“The systematic troubling of the local population by the occupying forces led to a formal complaint at the international tribunal.”
Usage
Usually functions as a gerund followed by 'of'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“What is far more troubling is their apparent goals, which have also been captured in detailed chain of thought records.” “Whether you are seeking care online or in person, it helps to define what’s troubling you and what you’d like to change.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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