problem
- any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
- a question proposed for solution or discussion.
- Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
- difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.
- Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large: a problem play.
- no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude).
Origin of problem
Synonyms
See more synonyms on Thesaurus.comAntonyms
Examples from the Web for problem
Contemporary Examples
Every once in a while, they act swiftly and acknowledge the problem.
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.
The third problem is the evidence of corroborating witnesses.
But this physical involvement, or lack of it, is only part of the problem.
Anyone who tries to draw attention to threats instead of quietly burying them is worsening the problem.
Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide JournalismArthur Chu
January 3, 2015
Historical Examples
To solve their problem the engineers borrowed an idea from the Sumerians.
Ancient ManHendrik Willem van Loon
That the problem is here crying aloud for solution is apparent.
'Tis Sixty Years SinceCharles Francis Adams
In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem.
The financial as well as this ecclesiastical question was a problem.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
Today we can declare: Government is not the problem, and government is not the solution.
problem
- any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
- (as modifier)a problem child
- a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
- maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
- (modifier) designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questionsa problem play
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for problem
n.
late 14c., "a difficult question proposed for solution," from Old French problème (14c.) and directly from Latin problema, from Greek problema "a task, that which is proposed, a question;" also "anything projecting, headland, promontory; fence, barrier;" also "a problem in geometry," literally "thing put forward," from proballein "propose," from pro "forward" (see pro-) + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics).
Meaning "a difficulty" is mid-15c. Mathematical sense is from 1560s in English. Problem child first recorded 1920. Phrase _______ problem in reference to a persistent and seemingly insoluble difficulty is attested at least from 1882, in Jewish problem. Response no problem "that is acceptable; that can be done without difficulty" is recorded from 1968.
Idioms and Phrases with problem
problem
see no problem.