trouble

Problems or difficulties that make something hard or unpleasant.

• We had trouble finding the house.
• What is the trouble with this plan?
• She told me about her troubles at work.

How to use it: have trouble doing something (I have trouble remembering names.); trouble with something (We had trouble with our booking.)

Similar words: difficulty, problem

Common phrases: cause trouble, have trouble, trouble with something

A situation in which someone is in danger or faces serious problems.

• The boat was in trouble.
• Call for help if you get into trouble.
• Her quick thinking kept us out of trouble.

How to use it: be in trouble (The climbers are in trouble and need help.); get into trouble (He got into trouble while swimming alone.)

Similar words: danger, difficulty

Opposites: safety

Common phrases: in trouble, get into trouble, out of trouble

A fault that stops a machine or part from working properly.

• The car has engine trouble.
• Electrical trouble delayed the train.
• Have you had any trouble with this printer?

How to use it: trouble with + machine/part (We are having trouble with the brakes.)

Similar words: fault, malfunction

Common phrases: engine trouble, mechanical trouble, trouble with something

To make someone worried, upset, or unsure what to think.

• His silence troubles me.
• The news troubled her all evening.
• Does that question still trouble you?

Similar words: worry, distress, upset

Opposites: reassure

Common phrases: trouble someone deeply, trouble my conscience, trouble someone still

To bother someone or interrupt them, often by asking for help.

• Sorry to trouble you again.
• May I trouble you for a pen?
• I did not want to trouble her with my questions.

How to use it: trouble someone with something (May I trouble you with one more question?); trouble someone for something (Could I trouble you for a glass of water?); trouble someone to do something (May I trouble you to open the door?)

Similar words: bother, disturb, annoy

Common phrases: trouble someone with, trouble someone for, trouble someone again

To cause someone pain or physical discomfort.

• My knee is troubling me again.
• Her back troubled her during the journey.
• Has your old injury been troubling you?

Similar words: bother, afflict

Common phrases: trouble someone again, trouble my knee, trouble someone badly