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.

---

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

---

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

Stranded or struggling robots became the new Bird scooters — nifty ideas that proved more problematic in practice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

She adds that targeting dyes is a “good first step,” but they’re certainly not the only problematic additive the FDA should strictly regulate.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

"The resources Meta is devoting to blocking these ads would be better spent improving user safety through functional tools to reduce problematic use and to detect and remove users under age 13," she added.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

If Apple cannot deliver the foldable iPhone this year, that’s potentially problematic, Luria said in emailed comments.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

It requires an ability to move back and forth between the concrete and the abstract, the immediate example and a scientific theory, and this movement is conceptually and historically problematic.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

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