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problematic

[ prob-luh-mat-ik ]
/ ˌprɒb ləˈmæt ɪk /
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adjective
of the nature of a problem; doubtful; uncertain; questionable: We've discussed the problematic benefits of the treatment.
involving or presenting a problem that is difficult to deal with or solve: She faces a problematic decision.
tending or likely to elicit objections or disapproval; offensive: 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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Often prob·lem·at·i·cal [prob-luh-mat-i-kuhl] /ˌprɒb ləˈmæt ɪ kəl/ .

Origin of problematic

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

OTHER WORDS FROM problematic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for problematic

problematic

problematical

/ (ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk) /

adjective
having the nature or appearance of a problem; questionable
logic obsolete (of a proposition) asserting that a property may or may not holdCompare apodeictic (def. 2), assertoric

Derived forms of problematic

problematically, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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