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

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

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

There’s just one problem: I have absolutely no idea who these people are.

From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026

A major problem officials identified at that time was that poor parents could not afford vaccinations for their children.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026

That’s not a financial problem for you, as you’ve certainly got enough to last 20+ years.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026

Washington solved this problem for cars decades ago.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026

Brie locks eyes with Dad, and I have the prickly-hot feeling I get when I don’t know right away how to do a math problem or answer an essay question on a test.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

One solution is to visit a house you’re thinking of buying in the middle of a rainstorm, when water-related problems can become more obvious, Marecheau said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 15, 2026

As the models from Anthropic and OpenAI keep toppling brutal problems, they have done something no less improbable: They have turned me into a math person.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

Marc Andreessen, co-founder of early web titan Netscape, perhaps started this trend in 2023 with a 5,000-word essay he called "The Techno-Optimist Manifesto", which argued innovation was the way to solve life's problems.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

“We need clear and honest information from the Department of Defense about the operational failures that led to the problems aboard the USS Lincoln to ensure this never happens again.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

There weren’t many repair problems he hadn’t encountered.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

• complication
• dilemma
• dispute
• headache
• issue
• obstacle
• question
• trouble