Nuisance: meaning, definitions and examples

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

• 'The barking dog was a nuisance all night
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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
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Applies to situations where something causes irritation or slight anger.

• 'Her constant humming was a source of annoyance
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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
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Used when an obstacle or barrier significantly slows down progress or development.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.