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troublemaker

/ˈtɹʌbəlˌmeɪkəɹ/
noun★Intermediate💡 person who causes problems

“The teacher warned the troublemaker to stop disrupting the class.”

The teacher warned the student causing problems to stop disrupting the class.

informal

A person who intentionally causes trouble or disruption.

He was labeled a troublemaker after he kept interrupting the meeting.

He was called a troublemaker because he repeatedly disrupted the meeting.

The school expelled the troublemaker for his repeated misbehavior.

The school expelled the student causing problems due to his constant misbehavior.

💡

Often used in school or workplace contexts to describe someone who stirs up conflict or breaks rules.

Collocations

school troublemakera student who causes problems at schooloffice troublemakera coworker who disrupts the workplaceserial troublemakersomeone who repeatedly causes trouble

Synonyms

troublerinstigatoragitatormischief-maker

Antonyms

peacemakermediatordiplomat

Related Phrases

make troublephrasal verb
to cause problems or difficulties
cause a stirphrase
to create disturbance or controversy

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The word 'troublemaker' implies intentional disruption. If someone causes trouble accidentally, consider using 'problem-causer' instead.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Misuse

Do not use 'troublemaker' for someone who is merely unlucky or facing challenges. The term specifically refers to someone who creates problems.

📖Word Origin

From 'trouble' + 'maker', first recorded in the early 19th century. The compound form emerged as a direct description of someone who creates trouble.

📝Usage Notes

The term is neutral in tone but often carries a negative connotation, implying deliberate action. It is commonly used in educational and professional settings.

Word Breakdown

trouble
problems or difficulties
noun
+
maker
a person who creates or causes something
suffix
English Dictionary

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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.