nuisance

[ noo-suhns, nyoo- ]

noun

1. an obnoxious or annoying person, thing, condition, practice, etc.:

   a monthly meeting that was more nuisance than pleasure.

2. Law. something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

nuisance

/ ˈnjuːsəns /

noun

1. 1. a person or thing that causes annoyance or bother
   2. ( as modifier )

      nuisance calls

2. law something unauthorized that is obnoxious or injurious to the community at large ( public nuisance ) or to an individual, esp in relation to his ownership or occupation of property ( private nuisance )
3. nuisance value
   the usefulness of a person's or thing's capacity to cause difficulties or irritation

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English nu(i)sa(u)nce, from Anglo-French, from nuis(er) “to harm” (from Latin nocēre “to harm, injure”) + -ance -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of nuisance¹

C15: via Old French from nuire to injure, from Latin nocēre

Idioms and Phrases

see make a nuisance of oneself .

Example Sentences

Sticking on the Chargers practice squad, Jefferson has been a valuable resource for younger players and a nuisance on the scout team that imitates opposing defenses in practice.

From Los Angeles Times

Chan moved to Taipei in 2021, after serving 11 months in jail for inciting public nuisance in his role in Occupy Central.

From BBC

He said he encountered patients who did not want to be a "nuisance" and feared the legislation would add "subtle pressure" to those who felt palliative care was no longer an option.

From BBC

She said she had been made to feel like a nuisance and that her self-esteem and mental health had been affected.

From BBC

But some road users say their brightness can be a nuisance.

From BBC