problematic

American  

[prob-luh-mat-ik] / ˌprɒb ləˈmæt ɪk /

Often problematical

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.

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problematic British  

/ ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. having the nature or appearance of a problem; questionable

2. obsolete logic (of a proposition) asserting that a property may or may not hold Compare apodeictic assertoric

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Other Word Forms

• nonproblematic adjective
• nonproblematical adjective
• nonproblematically adverb
• problematically adverb
• quasi-problematic adjective
• unproblematic adjective
• unproblematical adjective
• unproblematically adverb

Etymology

Origin of problematic

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

Explanation

Something problematic poses a problem or causes difficulties. Your ambitions to become the next great leader of Spain are great, but your inability to speak Spanish might prove problematic. Around 1600, the word problematical was shortened and problematic was born. Perhaps they wanted to make it less problematic for spellers. It's an adjective that means tough, hard to solve, or even questionable. A flat tire in the middle of the desert would certainly be problematic, as would a star witness with a history of telling lies.

Example Sentences

Before Riot Grrrl, Theo Kogan was enforcing an early version of “girls to the front,” calling out problematic men at their shows, on mic and from the stage.

From Salon • Apr. 28, 2026

In his book, Mr. Gibbs focuses on problematic erasures and distortions that occur in a musicology based on European tradition.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

One study found a sharp rise in what it termed "problematic" social media use among children since the pandemic.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

To crack down on GRATs, for instance, the legislation would need to more precisely identify which practices are most problematic, “instead of increasing the cost of a legitimate investment vehicle,” McBride says.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

But in my defense I will say that none of my more athletic teammates ever inhabited such a problematic body.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

Related Words

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