problem

[ prob-luhm ]

/ ˈprɒb ləm /

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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.

OPPOSITES FOR problem

1 certitude.

See antonyms for problem on Thesaurus.com

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Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

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whom

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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

Words nearby problem

probenecid, probie, probiotic, probit, probity, problem, problematic, problematics, problematize, problem page, pro bono

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

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.

Where does problem come from?

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.”

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to problem?

subproblem (noun)

What are some synonyms for problem?

What are some words that share a root or word element with problem?

What are some words that often get used in discussing problem?

How is problem used in real life?

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

Try using problem!

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

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

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|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|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|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|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|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 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

problem

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Origin of problem

OTHER WORDS FROM problem

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What is a basic definition of problem?

Where does problem come from?

Did you know … ?

How is problem used in real life?

Try using problem!

How to use problem in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for problem

Word Origin for problem

Other Idioms and Phrases with problem

problem

OTHER WORDS FOR problem

OPPOSITES FOR problem

Idioms about problem

Origin of problem

OTHER WORDS FROM problem

Words nearby problem

MORE ABOUT PROBLEM

What is a basic definition of problem?

Where does problem come from?

Did you know … ?

How is problem used in real life?

Try using problem!

Words related to problem

How to use problem in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for problem

Word Origin for problem

Other Idioms and Phrases with problem