Troubling
ˈtrʌblɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing distress, anxiety, or concern; disturbing.
ˈtrʌblɪŋ
Causing anxiety or concern.
The lack of communication from the company was troubling.
💡 Simply: When something is 'troubling', it's like a little storm of worries in your head. Like when you forget your homework or when a friend is upset. It’s something that makes you feel uneasy.
👶 For kids: Making you feel worried or sad.
More Examples
The weather forecast for a hurricane is troubling.
Her silence was troubling, hinting that something was wrong.
How It's Used
"The news of the layoffs was troubling for the employees."
"She found his inconsistent behavior deeply troubling."
Causing distress or anxiety, or causing someone to exert effort; the act of causing distress.
ˈtrʌblɪŋ
Present participle of the verb 'trouble'.
The company's mismanagement is troubling investors.
💡 Simply: When you're 'troubling' someone, you're making them worried or giving them a hard time, like when a noisy toy bothers your parents or when you're worrying about a test.
👶 For kids: Making someone feel worried or upset.
More Examples
He was troubling himself with concerns about his future.
The scandal is troubling the entire political establishment.
How It's Used
"The constant noise is troubling the residents."
"The investigation is still ongoing, troubling the authorities."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Middle English *troublen*, from Old French *troubler* ('to disturb, agitate'), from Vulgar Latin *turbulare*, from Latin *turbare* ('to disturb, confuse'), from *turba* ('turmoil, disturbance').
The word 'troubling' has existed in the English language since the 14th century, often used to describe situations causing disruption or anxiety.
Memory tip
Think of trouble brewing; it's a worrying situation.
Word Origin
"turmoil, disturbance"