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Synonyms

bothersome

American  
[both-er-suhm] / ˈbɒð ər səm /

adjective

  1. causing annoyance or worry; troublesome.

    Synonyms:
    galling, vexatious, irksome, irritating, annoying

bothersome British  
/ ˈbɒðəsəm /

adjective

  1. causing bother; troublesome

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bothersome

First recorded in 1825–35; bother + -some 1


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"For some people, the noise is constant and bothersome, interfering with their productivity and quality of life," Price said.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 10, 2026

Not a day goes by that I don’t read a headline that trumpets the shortage of estrogen patches, which are used to treat the bothersome symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

From MarketWatch ● May 12, 2026

The Briton has also switched to a platform serve, meaning he stands with his feet slightly wider to allow a smoother transfer of weight, in an attempt to alleviate pressure on the bothersome bruised humerus.

From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026

Still, it’s bothersome that a world-famous abuser was among the cohort who’ve been misreading and misrepresenting Nabokov’s “love affair with the English language” since its release.

From Salon ● Dec. 18, 2025

It dispensed with all those bothersome little acts of daily courage; it offered hope and grace to the repetitive coward; it justified the past while amortizing the future.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

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