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

For a time, the internet did put a Band-Aid on this problem, bringing isolated communities together and providing the sort of crosstalk they couldn’t hear on the abandoned sidewalks of gated developments.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

“The bottom line is that this has been a pervasive problem, it remains a pervasive problem,” Garcia said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

"Even us partnering with this kind of partner...we're not going to solve the entire problem," said Gavin.

From Barron's ● Aug. 22, 2026

“The problem is that when you’re thinking from that trader perspective, it’s about the short-term moves, and these are long-term issues that need to be dealt with.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 21, 2026

No, I had no problem thinking of the bad ones.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

They are paying particular attention to districts with competitive congressional races and where past problems have arisen.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026

She also explained that she wanted to work on communication problems she was having with her boyfriend and mom.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 22, 2026

In the mouse experiments, yeast beta-glucan helped reverse immune memory problems that remained after weight loss.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 22, 2026

Aymann Ismail: Before we get to the current prosecution, I want to understand when you first started seeing problems at the Southern Poverty Law Center.

From Slate ● Aug. 22, 2026

But when his illness didn’t subside, the doctor began to think that perhaps a hit on the head that Jimmie had experienced at the shipyard was the cause of his problems.

From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson

Related Words

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