nuisance
Meaning(s)
1. something/someone causing annoyance
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
stop being such a nuisance
Analysis
The noun 'nuisance' refers to a person or thing which causes annoyance or irritation. "This photocopier never works when I need it to, it's such a nuisance." "Daniel constantly irritates co-workers, distracts them and is generally a nuisance around the office." This word has a negative connotation and comes from a term used in law meaning an act which is offensive or harmful to the public - a public nuisance. "The effect of alcohol abuse is a public nuisance." You will hear this expression used both in social and professional contexts.
Social Examples (Advance)
- The child kept asking for sweets until the mother lost her temper and told him to stop being such a nuisance.
- The alarm next door keeps going off very loudly in the middle of the night. It is such a nuisance!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- I hate to be a nuisance, but do you mind giving me a hand with something quickly?
- There are so many meetings in work it has become a nuisance, I hardly have any time to get any work done.