troubling
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈtrʌblɪŋ/
KK: /ˈtrʌblɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing worry or distress; something that makes you feel uneasy or concerned.
Example
The news about the missing children is very troubling for the community.
Conversation
I heard some troubling news about the weather this weekend.
Yeah, I saw that too; it looks like it might rain a lot.
It's really troubling because we planned a picnic.
I know, right? We might need to come up with a backup plan.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
distressing
worrisome
alarming
Antonyms
comforting
reassuring
calming
verb
Definition
To cause worry or distress to someone.
Example
The news of the storm was troubling for the residents.
Tense Forms
Past: troubled
Past Participle: troubled
Conversation
I heard something troubling about the new project at work.
Really? What did you hear?
They said there might be budget cuts that could affect us.
Root Explanation
Troubling → It is formed from "trouble" (from Old French *trouble*, meaning disturbance or confusion) and "-ing" (a suffix used to form present participles). The word "troubling" means causing disturbance or anxiety.
Memory Tip
Think of something that causes a 'disturbance' ('trouble') — the '-ing' shows it's happening now, so 'troubling' means something that is currently causing worry.
Visually Confused Words
redoubling
tumbling
trolling
rumbling
doubling
tubing
ruling
robing