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Nuisance: meaning, definitions and examples

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nuisance

 

[ˈnjuːs(ə)ns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

inconvenience

Something that is inconvenient, annoying, or causes trouble or harm.

Synonyms

annoyance, bother, hindrance, irritation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nuisance

Use when referring to something or someone causing minor but persistent inconvenience or annoyance.

  • 'The barking dog was a nuisance all night
  • '
bother

Ideal for casual or informal mentions of something troubling or causing mild inconvenience.

  • 'It's such a bother to have to call customer service for this issue
  • '
annoyance

Applies to situations where something causes irritation or slight anger.

  • 'Her constant humming was a source of annoyance
  • '
irritation

When something provokes a feeling of discomfort or slight anger, often used in a medical or emotional sense.

  • 'His constant questions were a source of irritation
  • '
hindrance

Used when an obstacle or barrier significantly slows down progress or development.

  • 'The snowstorm was a major hindrance to our travel plans
  • '

Examples of usage

  • The construction noise was a nuisance to the neighbors.
  • The stray cats in the neighborhood were becoming a nuisance.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

A person, thing, or circumstance causing inconvenience or annoyance in the eyes of the law.

Synonyms

infraction, offense, violation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nuisance

Nuisance is used when something or someone is causing minor annoyance or inconvenience. It's often used in everyday situations where the disruption isn't serious or illegal.

  • The loud music from the party next door is a real nuisance.
  • Mosquitoes can be such a nuisance during the summer.
infraction

Infraction is used to describe a minor breaking of the rules or a law. It's formal and often used in legal and regulatory contexts.

  • Parking in front of a fire hydrant is considered an infraction.
  • The student received a detention for the infraction of school rules.
violation

Violation is used to describe a more serious breach of laws or regulations. It's common in legal, ethical, and regulatory discussions where the broken rule has significant implications.

  • The company was fined for environmental violations.
  • Speeding is a violation of traffic laws.
offense

Offense is used when someone does something wrong, which can cause harm or hurt feelings. It can be used both for minor and more serious wrongdoings and sometimes carries a negative connotation.

  • His comments caused great offense to many people.
  • Stealing is a serious criminal offense.

Examples of usage

  • The loud parties at the house were considered a public nuisance.
  • The overgrown bushes in the yard were cited as a nuisance violation.
Context #3 | Noun

obsolete

Harm or injury.

Synonyms

damage, harm, injury.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
nuisance

Used to describe something or someone that causes minor irritation or inconvenience.

  • The barking dog next door is such a nuisance.
  • Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance during the summer.
harm

Used to describe injury or damage that has a negative or harmful effect, often more serious than damage.

  • Smoking can cause serious harm to your lungs.
  • He didn't mean any harm with his joke, but it offended her.
injury

Refers to physical harm or damage to a person's body, often as a result of an accident or attack.

  • He sustained a leg injury during the football match.
  • The accident caused multiple injuries to the passengers.
damage

Refers to physical harm that impairs the value, usefulness, or normal function of something.

  • The storm caused significant damage to the roof.
  • Be careful with that vase; you don't want to damage it.

Examples of usage

  • He wished no nuisance to the stranger who had just entered his domain.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'nuisance,' which means 'harm' or 'injury.'
  • It can be traced back to the Latin word 'noxius,' meaning 'harmful' or 'wicked.'
  • The term has evolved over centuries, retaining its negative connotation in modern usage.

Law

  • In legal terms, a nuisance can refer to an act that significantly interferes with a person's enjoyment of their property.
  • There are two main types: public nuisance, which affects the community, and private nuisance, which impacts individual property owners.
  • Nuisance laws help protect people from harmful actions such as excessive noise, pollution, or disruptive activities.

Psychology

  • Nuisances can provoke stress or anxiety in individuals when they disrupt normal activities.
  • Studies show that constant exposure to irritants can lead to decreased focus and productivity among individuals.
  • The perception of what constitutes a nuisance can vary widely from person to person, influenced by personal tolerance and environmental factors.

Pop Culture

  • The term 'nuisance' has made its way into various movies and TV shows, often used in comedic contexts to describe annoying characters or situations.
  • Songs sometimes feature nuisances as themes, illustrating relationships fraught with bothersome habits or behaviors.
  • Comics and cartoons often use exaggerated nuisances, like pesky animals, to induce laughter.

Environmental Science

  • In environmental studies, nuisances can refer to pollutants or hazards that affect both wildlife and human communities.
  • Communities regularly debate what constitutes a nuisance, particularly in relation to industrial activities and their impact on health.
  • Efforts to reduce nuisances often lead to community action and policies aimed at improving local living conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "nuisance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incômodo

🇮🇳 परेशानी

🇩🇪 Belästigung

🇮🇩 gangguan

🇺🇦 незручність

🇵🇱 niedogodność

🇯🇵 迷惑

🇫🇷 nuisance

🇪🇸 molestia

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 귀찮음

🇸🇦 إزعاج

🇨🇿 obtíž

🇸🇰 nepríjemnosť

🇨🇳 麻烦

🇸🇮 nevšečnost

🇮🇸 óþægindi

🇰🇿 құтқару

🇬🇪 არამატერიალური პრობლემა

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 molestia

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,463 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.