Pronunciation: /peɪn ɪn ðə nɛk/
noun a physical discomfort or suffering caused by illness or injury
A1 My new job is a pain in the neck because my boss is always yelling at me.
A2 Dealing with my noisy neighbors is a real pain in the neck.
B1 Trying to fix my car by myself turned out to be a real pain in the neck.
B2 Dealing with bureaucracy can be a real pain in the neck when trying to start a business.
C1 The constant delays in the project were a major pain in the neck for the team.
C2 The never-ending paperwork required for the new regulations is a real pain in the neck for small businesses.
preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause
A1 Dealing with technology can be a pain in the neck for some older people.
A2 Learning a new language can be a pain in the neck, but it's worth it in the end.
B1 Managing a team of diverse personalities can be a real pain in the neck for a new manager.
B2 Trying to navigate through the city's public transportation system can be a real pain in the neck.
C1 Dealing with bureaucracy in a foreign country can be a major pain in the neck for expatriates.
C2 Negotiating a complex business deal can be a real pain in the neck, but the rewards are worth it.
formal Dealing with constant technical issues can be a real pain in the neck in the workplace.
informal My noisy neighbors are such a pain in the neck, always playing loud music late at night.
slang This project is turning out to be a real pain in the neck, I can't seem to get anything right.
figurative Having to wait in long lines at the grocery store is a real pain in the neck.
had a pain in the neck
pains in the neck
more of a pain in the neck
the biggest pain in the neck
is a pain in the neck
will be a pain in the neck
has been a pain in the neck
is being a pain in the neck
a pain in the neck
a big pain in the neck
to be a pain in the neck
being a pain in the neck
having a pain in the neck