hassle

[ has-uhl ]

noun

1. a disorderly dispute.

   Synonyms: scrap, row, quarrel, squabble

2. a problem brought about by pressures of time, money, inconvenience, etc.:

   Finding a decent place to have lunch in this neighborhood is always a hassle.

verb (used without object)

, has·sled, has·sling.

1. to dispute or quarrel:

   children hassling over who has the most toys.

   Synonyms: scrap, row, quarrel, squabble

2. to take time or effort:

   We don't want to hassle with all that waiting in line.

verb (used with object)

, has·sled, has·sling.

1. to bother, annoy, or harass:

   I'll do the work, so don't hassle me.

hassle

/ ˈhæsəl /

noun

1. a prolonged argument; wrangle
2. a great deal of trouble; difficulty; nuisance

verb

1. intr to quarrel or wrangle
2. tr to cause annoyance or trouble to (someone); harass

Other Words From

• un·hassled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hassle¹

First recorded in 1935–40; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of hassle¹

C20: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The way Pelosi sees it, that time-consuming primary would have been worth the hassle, as the process could have diminished the perception that Harris was an extension of the Biden administration.

From Salon

“They do all the cooking, cleaning and laundry. We can travel the world without the hassle of airports or trains or packing and unpacking.”

From BBC

And all those costs and hassles are likely to come at the worst possible time if striking dockworkers delay picketing until later this fall during peak holiday deliveries.

From Los Angeles Times

Cards you aren’t using still need to be monitored for fraud, which is a hassle, plus you may be paying unnecessary annual fees.

From Los Angeles Times

Among Lexie Manion’s memories of her junior year of high school in New Jersey was the experience of being regularly hassled by a school nurse who was trying to weigh her.

From Salon

Related Words

• bickering
• commotion
• difficulty
• inconvenience
• squabble
• tumult
• wrangle