trouble
verb (used with object)
to disturb the mental calm and contentment of; worry; distress; agitate.
was troubling
-
past progressiveof trouble.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Analysts warned the prospect of a prolonged spike in crude was troubling traders.
From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026
Plus, with the median age of the first-time buyer hitting an all-time high of 40, the prospect of homeowners being 90 years old when they finally pay off their mortgage was troubling to many.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 29, 2025
“As soon as you had a result and answer, you would go straight back and tell him - especially if there was a matter that was troubling to him,” Cohen says.
From BBC ● May 13, 2024
“Did anybody probe the Arant e-mail? Did anybody speak with him and find out exactly what it was about Abu Ghraib that was troubling him?”
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 17, 2024
The colonel dwelt in a vortex of specialists who were still specializing in trying to determine what was troubling him.
From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller
