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The word problem comes from a Greek word meaning what?

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problem

American  

[prob-luhm] / ˈprɒb ləm /

noun

• problems
  plural

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.

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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.

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!

problem British  

/ 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

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problem More Idioms  

1. see no problem.

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Usage

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. 

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• subproblem
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• problems
  plural

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Etymology

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

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Explanation

If you are facing something that will be difficult to handle, you have a problem on your hands. A problem is a roadblock in a situation, something that sets up a conflict and forces you to find a resolution. The meaning of the Greek word próblēma meant "to put forth," which is different from the meaning of problem today, but it reminds you that any problem becomes easier to solve once you have defined it. A math problem is easier once you have the numbers in front of you: that's why word problems can be so difficult. Problem can also be an adjective in rare cases. Once you were a problem child, but now you spend your time listening to everyone else's problems.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

problem problems

Peter told our undercover reporter it was not a problem if she had no background in art and could not speak English.

From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2026

How exactly is that problem going to get solved?

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2026

I had learned to roll with the punches where kids were concerned, but Bill had more of a problem with it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 13, 2026

Microsoft has said the problem was caused by a higher-than-usual stress on its servers but that systems were now showing "early signs of stabilisation" as work continued on a fix.

From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2026

“Yeah. Do you have a problem with that?”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Mullin said that the issue is going to take “some time” to resolve, and said that the administration is looking into whether the problems were connected with rollout of a new FAA AI system.

From MarketWatch ● Nov. 13, 2026

Microsoft first said it was investigating reports of problems encountered by users attempting to access their email on Thursday afternoon.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 13, 2026

The council also cut the amount of waste it sent to landfill or Parc Adfer by 6,467.49 tonnes between 2024 and 2026, and that improvement continued this year despite problems this summer.

From BBC ● Nov. 13, 2026

Scientists at Pompeu Fabra University discovered that mice recovering from an acute viral infection experienced prolonged problems with their immune defenses.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 13, 2026

“Miss Lumley, I am afraid that legal problems are never as simple as they may first appear. Before I render a verdict, let me consult my colleagues.”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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