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 Word Forms

• subproblem 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,

   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!

see no problem.

Example Sentences

Duffy on Nov. 6 called for air traffic at 40 major U.S. airports to be reduced by 10%, after the shutdown exacerbated staffing problems among federal transportation workers who had to work without pay.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It is the perennial problem," said Heather Exner-Pirot, director of natural resources, energy and the environment at the MacDonald-Laurier Institute think tank, and who is based in Calgary, Alberta.

Read more on BBC

It's easy to just tell your child they can't hang out with a friend, but that often won't solve the problem.

Read more on BBC

The issue is it is the same problems that are cropping up again and again.

Read more on BBC

The Pentagon essentially wants to make faster and more flexible contracting authorities the default instead of the exception, and give more priority to the private economy to solve military problems.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• complication 
• dilemma 
• dispute 
• headache 
• issue 
• obstacle 
• question 
• trouble 

When To Use

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.