Cool MateTrouble
UK /["/ˈtrʌbl/"]/US /["/ˈtrʌbl/"]/
Definition
a problem, worry, difficulty, etc. or a situation causing this
In simple words: A problem or difficulty that makes things hard.
Examples
- I got into trouble for not completing my homework.
- He seems to have trouble making decisions.
- Don't worry, we will help you if you are in trouble.
- There's no trouble at the party; everyone is having a great time.
- She had trouble understanding the instructions for the game.
Usage notes
Use 'trouble' to describe when someone has a problem, especially in neutral contexts. Avoid using it in overly formal situations where 'difficulty' might be preferred.
Grammar pattern
trouble + object
Memory hint
Think of 'trouble' as 'trouble-the-people' — imagine people causing chaos.
Collocations
- bad
- big
- deep
- mean
- spell
- have
- come
- begin
- start
- in trouble
- trouble for
- trouble with
- a cause of trouble
- a source of trouble
- a history of… trouble
- bad
- big
- deep
- mean
- spell
- have
- come
- begin
- start
- in trouble
- trouble for
- trouble with
- a cause of trouble
- a source of trouble
- a history of… trouble
- crowd
- cause
- make
- start
- be brewing
- begin
- blow up
- spot
- trouble between
- bad
- big
- deep
- mean
- spell
- have
- come
- begin
- start
- in trouble
- trouble for
- trouble with
- a cause of trouble
- a source of trouble
- a history of… trouble
- bad
- big
- deep
- mean
- spell
- have
- come
- begin
- start
- in trouble
- trouble for
- trouble with
- a cause of trouble
- a source of trouble
- a history of… trouble
- considerable
- enormous
- great
- bring (somebody)
- cause (somebody)
- give somebody
- be more trouble than it’s worth
Synonyms
- effort (1)
Antonyms
- solution
- ease
- comfort
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'troublesome' — 'trouble' is a noun, while 'troublesome' is an adjective.
- Using 'trouble' with the wrong preposition, like saying 'in trouble with' instead of 'in trouble for'.
- Misunderstanding 'trouble' as only a verb; it's primarily a noun.