hassle

[has-uhl]

noun

1. a disorderly dispute.

   Synonyms: scrap, row, quarrel, squabble

2. a problem brought about by pressures of time, money, inconvenience, etc..

   Finding a decent place to have lunch in this neighborhood is always a hassle.

verb (used without object)

hassled, hassling 

1. to dispute or quarrel.

   children hassling over who has the most toys.

   Synonyms: scrap, row, quarrel, squabble

2. to take time or effort.

   We don't want to hassle with all that waiting in line.

verb (used with object)

hassled, hassling 

1. to bother, annoy, or harass.

   I'll do the work, so don't hassle me.

hassle

/ ˈhæsəl /

noun

1. a prolonged argument; wrangle

2. a great deal of trouble; difficulty; nuisance

verb

1. (intr) to quarrel or wrangle

2. (tr) to cause annoyance or trouble to (someone); harass

Other Word Forms

• unhassled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hassle¹

First recorded in 1935–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hassle¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

"We want people to try out some options which mean they can have the convenience of a car without the hassle of ownership."

Read more on BBC

"Yet when I ask to be included in weekend rotas, I'm told it's too much hassle unless I can manage 12-hour shifts straight," she added.

Read more on BBC

Congress first introduced the exception in 1938 to boost trade and spare the government the hassle of processing low-value parcels generating negligible tax revenue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Ultimately, she decided it wasn’t worth the hassle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For many years she did not fly after hearing about the "hassle" of getting on and off a plane and the worry of equipment being broken.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bickering 
• commotion 
• difficulty 
• inconvenience 
• squabble 
• tumult 
• wrangle