What does troublemaking mean?
Troublemaking denotes the activity of causing trouble, particularly through disruptive behavior, interference, or the stirring up of conflict. As a noun, it usually refers collectively to such conduct: a group might have a reputation for troublemaking within a school or workplace. As an adjective, troublemaking describes a person, group, or influence given to such behavior. The word generally has a negative connotation, but it can also be applied to mischievous conduct that is playful rather than seriously harmful. Its exact force depends on context: it may suggest annoying interference, deliberate provocation, or widespread disorder. The related noun troublemaker identifies the person responsible for the activity. Troublemaking is useful in descriptions of social behavior because it captures both the conduct itself and its potentially disruptive effect on other people.
The making of trouble, especially disruptive, irritating, or disorderly conduct.
"The residents complained of years of troublemaking in the neighborhood."
Usually uncountable; the plural is uncommon.
Inclined or given to causing trouble.
"The agency dismissed him after complaints about his troublemaking behavior."
Most common as an attributive modifier before a person, group, or influence.
A rare plural; troublemaking is ordinarily treated as an uncountable noun.
"The report described two separate troublemakings during the term."
Troublemaking names the activity; a troublemaker is the person—or group—doing it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of troublemaking
Troublemaking is an English compound formed from trouble and making and developed during the 19th century. Trouble came into Middle English through Old French from Latin turbare, meaning “to disturb or trouble,” which is related to Latin turba, meaning “crowd” or “tumult.” The same Latin root underlies English words including disturbance, turbulent, and turmoil.
Related word forms
How troublemaking is actually used
Troublemaking usually carries a disapproving connotation, although it may also describe playful pranks that are relatively harmless. The noun is normally used as an uncountable mass noun, and the adjectival use is most common before a person or group.
Easily confused with troublemaking
Troublesome describes something that causes difficulty or inconvenience, whereas troublemaking refers to conduct intended or likely to cause trouble.