trouble

Pluraltroubles (some meanings)

Formstroubles, troubling, troubled

1. 1
   strugglenoununcountable

   Difficulty doing something.

   She has trouble hearing in a noisy room.

   I had no trouble finding the house.

   UsageSay have trouble + -ing: I have trouble hearing (not incorrect: have trouble to hear).

   Similardifficulty

2. 2
   bad situationnoununcountable

   A bad or dangerous situation.

   The boat was in trouble when the storm hit.

   Call me if you get into trouble on the hike.

   UsageOften in trouble or get into trouble.

   Similarpredicament, dilemma, plight, fix, jam

3. 3
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A problem, or something that causes a problem.

   Heavy snow caused trouble for drivers all morning.

   We had all sorts of troubles on the trip.

   UsageOften cause trouble for someone. Troubles means many problems.

   Similarproblem, difficulty, issue

4. 4
   upsetverbtransitive or intransitive

   To make someone worried or upset, or to feel worried.

   What she said is still troubling me.

   Do not let the bad news trouble you.

   UsageOften troubled by something, or what is troubling you?

   Note
5. 5
   risk of punishmentnoununcountable

   Being likely to be punished, or being in conflict with the police or another authority.

   You will be in trouble if the teacher sees that.

   He got into trouble with the police as a teenager.

   UsageSay get into trouble or be in trouble with the police or a teacher.

6. 6
   unrestnouncountable or uncountable

   Fighting, violence, or disorder.

   There was trouble in the streets after the match.

   The Troubles in Northern Ireland lasted for about thirty years.

   UsageOften there'll be trouble as a warning. The Troubles means the fighting in Northern Ireland.

   Similardisturbance, turmoil, commotion, unrest, chaos

   Oppositepeace, calm, order

   Note
7. 7
   effortnoununcountable

   Extra effort that someone takes.

   Thank you for taking the trouble to write back.

   It is no trouble to give you a lift.

   UsageSay take the trouble to do something. It's no trouble is a kind way to say a favor is easy.

   Similareffort, bother, pains, care

   Note
8. 8
   fault (machine)noununcountable

   A problem with a machine.

   Our laptop has battery trouble and shuts off without warning.

   We were late because the car had engine trouble.

   UsageSay engine trouble or car trouble.

   Similarproblem, fault, malfunction, failure, breakdown

9. 9
   downsidenounusually singular

   The thing that is wrong with someone or something.

   The trouble with this plan is that it costs too much.

   Your trouble is that you give up too fast.

   UsageSay the trouble with this plan is that … or your trouble is that …

   Similarflaw, fault, defect, shortcoming, drawback

   Oppositeadvantage, merit, strength

10. 10
    illnessnoununcountable

    A health problem, usually with one part of the body.

    Grandpa has been in the hospital with heart trouble.

    She has had back trouble for years.

    UsageSay back trouble or heart trouble for a problem with that part of the body.

    Similarailment, illness, complaint, disorder, sickness

11. 11
    nouncountable or uncountable

    A worried or upset feeling.

    There was trouble in her eyes when she read the letter.

    He hid his trouble behind a smile.

    Similardistress, anguish, grief, pain, torment

    Oppositecalm

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