problem
[ prob-luhm ]
/ ˈprɒb ləm /
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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.
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Idioms for problem
- (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!
no problem, Informal.
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
OTHER WORDS FROM problem
sub·prob·lem, nounWords nearby problem
probie, probiosis, probiotic, probit, probity, problem, problematic, problematics, problem-oriented record, problem page, pro bono
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for problem
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
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Idioms and Phrases with problem
problem
see no problem.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.