Trouble is a problem, difficulty, or situation that causes worry, effort, or distress. When your bike chain comes off, you're in trouble with your transportation. When you forget your homework, you might get in trouble with your teacher. When a storm knocks out the power, the whole neighborhood has trouble keeping food cold.

Trouble comes in all sizes. Minor trouble might be a shoelace that won't stay tied. Serious trouble might be a friend who's sick or a family facing financial hardship. The word captures both the problem itself and the uncomfortable feeling it creates.

People use trouble in many ways. Taking the trouble to do something means making an extra effort, like when your older sister takes the trouble to explain a math problem three different ways until you understand it. Troublemakers are people who deliberately cause problems. A trouble spot is a place where problems keep happening.

When someone says “no trouble at all,” they mean helping you was easy and they were glad to do it. But when the mechanic says your car is “giving her trouble,” she means something isn't working right and needs attention.