problematic

American  

[prob-luh-mat-ik] / ˌprɒb ləˈmæt ɪk /

Often problematical

adjective

1. of the nature of a problem; doubtful; uncertain; questionable.

   We've discussed the problematic benefits of the treatment.

   Synonyms:

   ambiguous, dubious, unsettled, indeterminate, unsure

2. involving or presenting a problem that is difficult to deal with or solve.

   She faces a problematic decision.

3. tending or likely to elicit objections or disapproval; offensive: We've all had to deal with problematic relatives during the holidays.

   My ex-boyfriend's political opinions were often embarrassingly problematic.

   We've all had to deal with problematic relatives during the holidays.

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problematic British  

/ ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. having the nature or appearance of a problem; questionable

2. obsolete logic (of a proposition) asserting that a property may or may not hold Compare apodeictic assertoric

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Other Word Forms

• nonproblematic adjective
• nonproblematical adjective
• nonproblematically adverb
• problematically adverb
• quasi-problematic adjective
• unproblematic adjective
• unproblematical adjective
• unproblematically adverb

Etymology

Origin of problematic

First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin problēmaticus, from Greek problēmatikós, equivalent to problēmat- (stem of próblēma ) problem + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

Automating busywork isn’t necessarily problematic on its face, she tells me.

From The Wall Street Journal

Venezuela’s oil has long been tantalizing —and problematic.

From Barron's

Venezuela’s oil has long been tantalizing —and problematic.

From Barron's

Venezuela’s oil has long been tantalizing —and problematic.

From Barron's

Venezuela’s oil has long been tantalizing —and problematic.

From Barron's

Related Words

• ambiguous
• dubious
• moot
• precarious
• puzzling
• questionable
• tricky
• uncertain
• unsettled