Pest: meaning, definitions and examples

This is a general term for any organism, including animals, insects, or plants, that is harmful or annoying to humans, especially in agricultural or household settings.

• Farmers are looking for new ways to control pests without using harmful chemicals.
• My garden has been ruined by a pest that eats the leaves.

This term specifically refers to a class of small arthropod animals that have six legs and generally one or two pairs of wings. It is neutral but can imply nuisance when specific harmful insects are discussed.

• Mosquitoes are annoying insects that can also carry diseases.
• We need to identify the insects that are damaging our plants.

This word refers to small, gnawing mammals like mice, rats, and squirrels. It often carries a negative connotation due to their tendency to invade homes and cause destruction.

• We hired an exterminator to get rid of the rodents in our attic.
• Rodents can spread disease and contaminate food supplies.

Typically used in gardening and agriculture to refer to any plant growing where it is not wanted and competing with cultivated plants. This term is generally negative when referring to unwanted plants.

• She spent the entire afternoon pulling weeds from the garden.
• We need to find an eco-friendly way to control weeds in the lawn.

Use this word to refer to a group of spore-producing organisms that feed on organic matter, including molds, yeast, mushrooms, and toadstools. It often implies a harmful or unwanted growth.

• The crop was destroyed by a fungus that spread rapidly in the damp conditions.
• Bathrooms are common places to find mold fungus due to high levels of moisture.

This term is commonly used to describe insects or other small animals that cause damage to crops, plants, or stored food. It can also refer to a person who is particularly troublesome or irritating.

• The garden is infested with pests like aphids and caterpillars.
• My little brother is such a pest when he keeps interrupting me during my homework.

Used to describe something or someone that causes inconvenience or irritation, often in a more persistent and troublesome way. This term usually has a mildly negative connotation.

• The barking dog next door has become a real nuisance.
• Traffic jams are such a nuisance when you're in a hurry.

This term can be used to describe a situation, task, or person that causes inconvenience or requires effort, leading to irritation. It often implies a minor or moderate level of disturbance.

• I hope this rain doesn't bother our plans for a picnic.
• It's such a bother to have to reset all my passwords.

This word is used to describe the feeling of being irritated or bothered by something or someone. It is often used in a general sense to convey minor irritation.

• The constant noise from the construction site is a real annoyance.
• She didn't mean to cause any annoyance with her repeated questions.