Definition
to bother: to annoy, to trouble, to disturb; to make an effort
Don't bother calling Susie today, as she's on vacation. There's no point in calling Susie today, she's on vacation.
Stop bothering me, Philip. I want to be left alone.
I couldn't be bothered (to have a shower this morning): I didn't make the effort, I didn't have enough motivation (to have a shower this morning)
Pronunciation examples
UK: Stop bothering me, Philip.
US: I'm not bothering you, am I?
- "John : Oh, ok, sorry to bother you."
- "Brian : You mean are you bothering me?"
- "Don't let me bother you though."
- "However, I now have an answer to all of your concerns: health and safety, hygiene, nutrition, freshness of food, vegetarian options, vegan options, gluten-free options, kosher options, halal options, nut allergies, and all the other things you're always bothering me about."
- "I can get up without bothering anyone, and there's more room for my legs."
- "I want to bother you."
- "I will meet you Thursday evening at the factory, at 6.00 PM. Don't worry about bothering the employees, they are used to working irregular hours and shifts."
- "No one bothers you in the window seat."
- "It would be a shame to have to bother Bruno with this."
Still unsure of the best way to use 'Bother'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!
What our users say:
Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment
Absolutely free - no strings attached.