trouble · n
trouble (EXTRA WORK)
B2 when you use extra time or energy to do something
Dictionary examples:
"Would you like to have a meal with us?" "Only if it's not too much trouble." (14.3)
I could give you a lift - it's no trouble. (19.5)
He took the trouble to write to each of them personally. (28.1)
trouble (DIFFICULT SITUATION)
B2 a difficult, unpleasant or dangerous situation
Dictionary examples:
He got into financial trouble after his divorce. (25.2)
The company was in serious trouble with massive debts. (38.9)
The marriage ran into trouble because of her husband's heavy drinking. (54.6)
the trouble with sb/sth
B2 used to say what is wrong with someone or something
Dictionary examples:
The trouble with a white floor is that it gets dirty so quickly. (32.7)
The trouble with John is that he doesn't think before he speaks. (32.7)
trouble (FIGHTING)
B2 a situation in which people are fighting or arguing
Dictionary examples:
Listen, I don't want any trouble in here, so please just finish your drink and leave. (41.6)
The trouble started after a group of drunken football fans started to throw bottles. (59.9)
trouble (NOT WORKING)
C2 a problem that you have with a machine or part of your body
Dictionary examples:
Her knee trouble is expected to keep her out of the game for the rest of the season. (29.3)
They have a good reputation for building reliable trouble-free cars. (35.7)
The plane developed engine trouble shortly after takeoff. (56.7)
trouble (PUNISHMENT)
B1 when you have done something wrong and are likely to be punished
Dictionary examples:
I'm in trouble for telling my teacher the dog ate my homework. Again. (0.0)
Emma's in trouble for 'helping' her mom by washing her phone in the sink. (0.0)
Jack's in trouble for using his dad's tie as a superhero cape. (0.0)
Her children are always in trouble. (14.6)
They got into trouble with the police. (16.9)
She'll be in big trouble if she's late again. (19.8)
It's a great way of getting kids off the street and keeping them out of trouble. (29.7)
He's never been in trouble with his teachers before. (33.0)
trouble (DIFFICULTIES)
B1 problems, difficulties, or worries
Dictionary examples:
My dog ate my homework. Now I'm in double trouble! (0.0)
The trouble with being punctual is nobody's there to appreciate it. (0.0)
My smartphone causes more trouble than it solves! (0.0)
I should get it finished over the weekend without too much trouble. (21.0)
I'd like to go to the party, but the trouble is my parents won't let me. (24.2)
The trouble started when my father came to live with us. (24.4)
The form was terribly complicated and I had a lot of trouble with it. (34.9)
Parents often have trouble finding restaurants that welcome young children. (58.7)