problem

[ prob-luhm ]

See synonyms for: problem problems on Thesaurus.com

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.

Idioms about problem

no problem, Informal.
- (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation or affirmation): Sure, no problem, I can do that right away.
- (used as a conventional reply to an expression of gratitude or thanks): No problem, I’m glad I could help!

Origin of problem

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” (cf. parabola) + -ma noun suffix of result

Opposites for problem

certitude

See antonyms for problem on Thesaurus.com

Words Nearby problem

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

How to use problem in a sentence

We can now create video-game quality simulations to evaluate complex skills like creativity or problem-solving.
Why hasn’t digital learning lived up to its promise? | Walter Thompson | September 17, 2020 | TechCrunch
The competition will be an ersatz astronaut training program of sorts, including physical challenges, as well as puzzles and problem-solving tasks, as well as emotionally challenging scenarios, according to Deadline.
Contestants will compete for a SpaceX trip to the International Space Station in new reality TV show | Darrell Etherington | September 17, 2020 | TechCrunch
Lindsey Graham has changed after 25 years in Washington into someone who puts his political fortunes ahead of problem-solving.
Jaime Harrison Says He Feels ‘A Little Sad’ For Lindsey Graham | Hope Wright | September 17, 2020 | Essence.com
When you have armed soldiers on the streets, I think, as a public affairs officer, that’s a perception problem in and of itself.
Mobilizing the National Guard Doesn’t Mean Your State Is Under Martial Law. Usually. | by Logan Jaffe | September 17, 2020 | ProPublica
The problem in Venezuela is not the oil, it’s the political system.
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast) | Stephen J. Dubner | September 17, 2020 | Freakonomics

Several times, either because they forgot or they had a technical problem, they connected directly, and we could see them.
Was Sony Hit With a Second Hack? | Shane Harris | January 8, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
Every once in a while, they act swiftly and acknowledge the problem.
Today’s GOP: Still Cool With Racist Pandering? | Michael Tomasky | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
Part of the problem is the mandate of the war and the means with which the U.S. is fighting it do not match up.
Pentagon Doesn’t Know How Many People It’s Killed in the ISIS War | Nancy A. Youssef | January 7, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
The third problem is the evidence of corroborating witnesses.
Buckingham Palace Disputes Sex Allegations Against Prince ‘Randy Andy’ | Tom Sykes | January 4, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
But this physical involvement, or lack of it, is only part of the problem.
Flight 8501 Poses Question: Are Modern Jets Too Automated to Fly? | Clive Irving | January 4, 2015 | THE DAILY BEAST
And now let me come to the second problem we opened up in connection with college education—the problem of its extension.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation | H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
No man can believe it who tests it by his reason in the same way in which he would test any modern problem.
God and my Neighbour | Robert Blatchford
But the essential problem of to-day is to know how far we are to depart from its principles.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice | Stephen Leacock
We notice that more attention is given to the problem of placing a feature than to that of making a likeness of it.
Children's Ways | James Sully
But the West is not in its essence a time problem; there, they can wait—next week—next month.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I | Ian Hamilton

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 questions: a problem play

Origin of 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

problem

Idioms about problem

Origin of problem

Other words for problem

Opposites for problem

Other words from problem

Words Nearby problem

How to use problem in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for problem

Origin of problem

Other Idioms and Phrases with problem