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. 

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.”

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

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

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

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