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

Starting over with a new tax preparer is such a hassle.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

That may not be worth the hassle to save a few bucks on a single prescription, but it can pay off for multiple drugs taken regularly.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

Why, then, would secure couples celebrate the day at all, given the hassle and expense?

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 13, 2026

The irony is that it could turn out to not have been worth the hassle of booking Kid Rock in the first place.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

I brought a strut into the Hab to save myself the hassle of working in an EVA suit.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

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