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

We can now create video-game quality simulations to evaluate complex skills like creativity or problem-solving.

From TechCrunch

The competition will be an ersatz astronaut training program of sorts, including physical challenges, as well as puzzles and problem-solving tasks, as well as emotionally challenging scenarios, according to Deadline.

From TechCrunch

Lindsey Graham has changed after 25 years in Washington into someone who puts his political fortunes ahead of problem-solving.

From Essence.com

When you have armed soldiers on the streets, I think, as a public affairs officer, that’s a perception problem in and of itself.

From ProPublica

The problem in Venezuela is not the oil, it’s the political system.

From Freakonomics

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

More About Problem

What is a basic definition of problem?

A problem is a situation, question, or thing that causes difficulty, stress, or doubt. A problem is also a question raised to inspire thought. In mathematics, a problem is a statement or equation that requires a solution. Problem has a few other senses as a noun and an adjective.

A problem is a thing or event that causes you to wonder, cry, panic, or get angry. Life is full of problems that we try our best to handle. Something that involves problems or resembles a problem is said to be problematic.

• Real-life examples: A clogged toilet is an annoying problem. A rock in your shoe is often just a small problem. An international war is a big problem that causes many other problems for a large number of people.
• Used in a sentence: I need to pass this final exam or I am going to have a big problem with the grade for this class! 

Problem is used in this same sense as an adjective to mean something is unruly or difficult to handle.

• Real-life examples: A problem car doesn’t run well. A problem school has a lot of difficulties that need to be solved. A problem child is someone who is considered rowdy or unruly.
• Used in a sentence: Instead of labeling someone a “problem child,” we should try to understand why the child acts the way they do. 

A problem is a question or puzzle that is intended to be solved or to be deeply thought about.

• Real-life examples: Your teacher may present a problem to the class so you can use what you’ve learned to solve it. Scientists present problems to other scientists so they can work together to think about them and discover new information.
• Used in a sentence: Ivan managed to solve the problem of how to separate the rocks and the sand. 

In math, a problem is a mathematical statement that lacks a solution (answer) that a student or testee is expected to provide. This sense is nearly always specifically phrased as a “math problem.” These kinds of problems are frequently a source of pain and misery to math students.

• Real-life examples: Examples of math problems include “2 + 2 = ?” and “3x + 2y = 30. x = 4. Solve for y.”
• Used in a sentence: The math exam consisted of 100 problems that ranged in difficulty. 

Where does problem come from?

The first records of problem come from around 1350. It comes from the Greek próblēma, meaning “something thrown or put forward.”  It is a noun made by combining the Greek prefix pro- and the verb bállein, meaning “to throw.”

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to problem?

• subproblem (noun)

What are some synonyms for problem?

• difficulty
• issue
• complication
• trouble
• puzzle
• riddle
• question

What are some words that share a root or word element with problem? 

• problematic
• no problem

What are some words that often get used in discussing problem?

• stress
• worry
• obstacle
• annoyance
• minor
• serious

How is problem used in real life?

Problem is a common word that people use to refer to things that cause stress or difficulty.

I think I will cause problems for the me of tomorrow

— latino heat (@Im_JeremyM) November 26, 2020

A1: we took a problem our school wanted to talk thru. We then presented the problem to a group. Answered clarifying questions. Then we were asked to sit and listen as the group discussed it. Very insightful to get varying perspectives from educators from other schools.#NYEDChat

— Tyler Arnold 🤙🏾 Dr. Ty (@tyarnold18) October 2, 2018

I’ve been working on math problems for 2 hours now and I’m still not done 😭 someone put me out of my misery please 😩

— eddy is a klee haver (@egbarbatos) November 28, 2020

Try using problem!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of problem?

A. difficulty
B. answer
C. trouble
D. issue