hassle - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hassle Word Meanings
- to cause inconvenience or bother
- a difficult or annoying situation
- to worry or trouble someone
hassle Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hassle Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhæsl/
US
/ˈhæsl/
hassle Word Etymology
hassle = has- (to have) + -sle (a suffix implying difficulty). Origin: Early 20th Century American English; picture a person juggling multiple problems, each causing a hassle, like juggling balls that keep falling.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hassle is a casual noun and verb meaning something that causes trouble or inconvenience, or to bother someone. In everyday American and British English it’s common to say 'It’s a hassle' to describe a tedious or frustrating process, such as dealing with paperwork, long queues, or a broken appliance. As a verb, 'to hassle someone' means to nag or pester them persistently, often about a minor matter. The word carries a tone of mild annoyance rather than serious conflict, and it’s typically used in informal conversations. In workplace or service contexts you might hear phrases like 'no hassle option' or 'hassle-free' signaling ease and simplicity.
Usage Reminders
- Use hassle for mild annoyance
- Not for serious problems or danger
- Differentiate noun vs verb: it’s a hassle vs to hassle someone
- Prefer hassle-free to emphasize ease
- Common collocations: it’s a hassle, no hassle, hassle with paperwork
Common Misconceptions
- It always means a big problem or danger
- It can replace 'trouble' in formal writing
- It only refers to people bothering you
- It always has a negative tone
- It is interchangeable with 'annoyance' in all contexts
Thinking Differences
Hassle signals a mild, everyday annoyance rather than a serious problem; learners should avoid overusing it in formal writing and distinguish it from trouble or inconvenience.
Learning Tips
- Listen for collocations: no hassle, hassle-free
- Compare with trouble and annoyance in context
- Use it in casual conversations to sound natural
- Practice both noun and verb forms
- Avoid in formal writing; substitute with inconvenience or trouble
- Notice marketing phrases that use hassle-free
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'hassle'?
A.Difficulty
B.Convenient
C.Pleasant
D.Relaxing
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'hassle' used correctly? (Hint: Think about its meaning)
A.Going on vacation was a hassle-free experience.
B.I love the hassle of cleaning my room.
C.Dealing with difficult situations makes everything hassle.
D.The hassle weather made the outing enjoyable.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'hassle'?
A.Relaxation
B.Bother
C.Ease
D.Simplicity
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'hassle'?
A.Intricacy
B.Facilitate
C.Simplicity
D.Complexity
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation might you experience a hassle?
A.Taking a relaxing bath
B.Winning a prize easily
C.Dealing with a difficult customer
D.Walking in the park
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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