problem

[ prob-luhm ]

noun

1. any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.

   Synonyms: enigma, riddle, puzzle

   Antonyms: certitude

2. a question proposed for solution or discussion.

   Synonyms: enigma, riddle, puzzle

3. Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.

adjective

1. difficult to train or guide; unruly:

   a problem child.

2. Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large:

   a problem play.

problem

/ ˈprɒbləm /

noun

1. 1. any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
   2. ( as modifier )

      a problem child

2. a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
3. maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
4. modifier designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questions

   a problem play

Other Words From

• sub·problem noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of problem¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English probleme, from Middle French problème, from Latin problēma, from Greek próblēma “something thrown or put forward, projection, obstacle, defence, something offered as an excuse, something proposed as a task, practical or theoretical problem” (akin to probállein “to throw or lay before”), equivalent to pro- pro- ² + -blē-, variant stem of bállein “to throw” ( parabola ) + -ma noun suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of problem¹

C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro- ² + ballein to throw

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. no problem, Informal.
   1. (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation or affirmation):

      Sure, no problem, I can do that right away.

   2. (used as a conventional reply to an expression of gratitude or thanks):

      No problem, I’m glad I could help!

More idioms and phrases containing problem

see no problem .

Example Sentences

Several times, either because they forgot or they had a technical problem, they connected directly, and we could see them.

From The Daily Beast

Every once in a while, they act swiftly and acknowledge the problem.

From The Daily Beast

Part of the problem is the mandate of the war and the means with which the U.S. is fighting it do not match up.

From The Daily Beast

The third problem is the evidence of corroborating witnesses.

From The Daily Beast

But this physical involvement, or lack of it, is only part of the problem.

From The Daily Beast

And now let me come to the second problem we opened up in connection with college education—the problem of its extension.

From Project Gutenberg

No man can believe it who tests it by his reason in the same way in which he would test any modern problem.

From Project Gutenberg

But the essential problem of to-day is to know how far we are to depart from its principles.

From Project Gutenberg

We notice that more attention is given to the problem of placing a feature than to that of making a likeness of it.

From Project Gutenberg

But the West is not in its essence a time problem; there, they can wait—next week—next month.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• complication
• dilemma
• dispute
• headache
• issue
• obstacle
• question
• trouble