problem
[ prob-luhm ]
/ ˈprɒb ləm /
noun
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.
adjective
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.
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RELATED WORDS
complication, dilemma, question, obstacle, trouble, dispute, issue, headache, box, predicament, crunch, mess, disagreement, quandary, scrape, hitch, botheration, doubt, squeeze, pickle
Nearby words
probie, probiosis, probiotic, probit, probity, problem, problem page, problem-oriented record, problematic, problematics, proboscidate
Idioms
no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude).
Origin of problem
Related forms
sub·prob·lem, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for problem
British Dictionary definitions for problem
problem
/ (ˈprɒbləm) /
noun
- 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 for problem
C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro- ² + ballein to throw
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
Idioms and Phrases with problem
problem
see no problem.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.