hassle

American  

[has-uhl] / ˈhæs əl /

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.

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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 British  

/ ˈhæsəl /

noun

1. a prolonged argument; wrangle

2. a great deal of trouble; difficulty; nuisance

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verb

1. (intr) to quarrel or wrangle

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

Other Word Forms

• unhassled adjective

Etymology

Origin of hassle

First recorded in 1935–40; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

A prospective soldier needed to bring his own weapon to join the military, a clever means of nationalizing Somaliland’s supply of loose guns while saving the government the cost and hassle of purchasing firearms.

From The Wall Street Journal

By then, writing stories about Laker conflicts was a refreshing respite from dealing with fire hassles.

From Los Angeles Times

“Just the inconvenience and the hassle,” he said, along with a question: “Will I be able to afford it?”

From Los Angeles Times

Su’s buyers, who include many of America’s biggest retailers, have largely stopped hassling him to shift more production from China, in part because they recognize the efficiency of Chinese manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even paying for foreign models such as ChatGPT is a hassle, now that Russian cards no longer work abroad.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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