nuisance

American  

[noo-suhns, nyoo-] / ˈnu səns, ˈnyu- /

noun

1. an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc..

   a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.

2. Law. something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

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nuisance British  

/ ˈnjuːsəns /

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that causes annoyance or bother

   2. ( as modifier )

      nuisance calls

2. law something unauthorized that is obnoxious or injurious to the community at large ( public nuisance ) or to an individual, esp in relation to his ownership or occupation of property ( private nuisance )

3. the usefulness of a person's or thing's capacity to cause difficulties or irritation

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nuisance Idioms  

1. see make a nuisance of oneself.

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Etymology

Origin of nuisance

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English nu(i)sa(u)nce, from Anglo-French, from nuis(er) “to harm” (from Latin nocēre “to harm, injure”) + -ance -ance

Example Sentences

In early November, the city filed suit against Quirky, asking a judge to declare the bookstore a public nuisance.

From Slate • Mar. 25, 2026

“It’s such a nuisance and a hassle to have a rental property.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Newquay Town Council said the changes were "highly likely to increase the noise nuisance generated by the festival" while Cornwall councillors and parish representatives also raised objections.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Documents obtained by the Creek Team detail chemicals used in 2024 to “eradicate nuisance weeds” in flood control channels, or “washes,” as many Southern Californians know them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

I try not to make a nuisance of myself, but I’ve figured out how to get my voice heard when I have to.

From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro