problematic

[ prob-luh-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. of the nature of a problem; doubtful; uncertain; questionable:

   We've discussed the problematic benefits of the treatment.

   Synonyms: ambiguous, dubious, unsettled, indeterminate, unsure

2. involving or presenting a problem that is difficult to deal with or solve:

   She faces a problematic decision.

3. tending or likely to elicit objections or disapproval; offensive: We've all had to deal with problematic relatives during the holidays.

   My ex-boyfriend's political opinions were often embarrassingly problematic.

   We've all had to deal with problematic relatives during the holidays.

problematic

/ ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. having the nature or appearance of a problem; questionable
2. See apodeictic, assertoric
   obsolete.
   logic (of a proposition) asserting that a property may or may not hold Compare apodeictic assertoric

Derived Forms

• ˌproblemˈatically, adverb

Other Words From

• prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·prob·lem·at·ic adjective
• non·prob·lem·at·i·cal adjective
• non·prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly adverb
• qua·si-prob·lem·at·ic adjective
• un·prob·lem·at·ic adjective
• un·prob·lem·at·i·cal adjective
• un·prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of problematic¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Late Latin problēmaticus, from Greek problēmatikós, equivalent to problēmat- (stem of próblēma ) problem + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

That’s problematic, because it limits the scope of who could be reached and the scale at which it could have impact.

From Outside Online

That Republicans are much less likely to express concern about how the virus manifests in other problematic ways.

From Washington Post

Right now, though, in the context of uncontrolled spread of Covid-19, even a reduced risk of transmission could still lead to problematic levels of new infection.

From Vox

Given temperatures settling near 30 overnight, even a little rain could be problematic if it freezes on contact.

From Washington Post

That’s why, to Pekar, “Sundays With Love” is more problematic than more secular teachers — so long as they don’t use too many swear words during the ride, she said in an interview.

From Washington Post

But in the Digital Age, we're at risk of a new type of hoarding that is equally problematic.

From The Daily Beast

But concern about the lake is fuelling hostilities that could prove problematic for the government and investors.

From The Daily Beast

To be clear, unilateral Democratic control is just as problematic as the reverse.

From The Daily Beast

However, in cases like Iraq and Syria, that can be problematic.

From The Daily Beast

In his mind, this is only as problematic as the decrease in international support that it may cause.

From The Daily Beast

Their labour and hard-earned money were risked when the return was still problematic.

From Project Gutenberg

Or would he not take it without rendering such problematic service?

From Project Gutenberg

Thought must be reserved for the new, the precarious, the problematic.

From Project Gutenberg

The adjoining state of Tennessee was represented in the Senate by one of the most problematic characters in American history.

From Project Gutenberg

And still Gavan managed double duty during the last weeks of the fateful old year and the early days of the problematic new.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ambiguous
• dubious
• moot
• precarious
• puzzling
• questionable
• tricky
• uncertain
• unsettled