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

There’s another feature that market participants say could be problematic.

From MarketWatch • May 13, 2026

But she had to fight to wrest the position permanently from the grasp of an inept, problematic man.

From Salon • May 11, 2026

The law also contains problematic exemptions for certain categories of plastic foodware, they say.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

The BBC contacted the companies behind several of the adverts found to be problematic.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Retrieving a sample from Bobby, however, was decidedly more problematic.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady

Related Words

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