Nuisance

/ˈnjuːsəns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance.

The loud construction noise outside my apartment is a real nuisance.

A legal term referring to a person or thing causing harm or inconvenience, particularly in relation to property rights.

The residents complained that the neighbor's barking dog was a nuisance.

An annoyance or inconvenience that impacts someone's enjoyment of their property or life.

The overflowing garbage bins became a nuisance for the entire neighborhood.

Middle English, from Old French 'nuisance', from 'nuire' meaning 'to harm'.

public nuisance

A condition that is harmful to the public at large.

nuisance lawsuit

A legal case brought to court that aims to address a perceived nuisance.

irritant

Something that causes annoyance or discomfort.

disruption

An interruption that causes disorder.

Pain in the neck

That guy is a real pain in the neck, always complaining about something.

Buzzkill

He’s such a buzzkill, always pointing out the negatives.