problematic

Often prob·lem·at·i·cal

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

Other Word Forms

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

He is a problematic appendage to his wife—the American ambassador to the U.K.,

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“If you’re looking at what most Americans have as their largest asset — their house — and they don’t have enough insurance to pay for it, that’s where it could become problematic.”

Read more on MarketWatch

The "problematic" maps, meant for export, cannot be sold because they "endanger national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity" of China, authorities said.

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That said, the qualities that make them unique—and popular—can also make them problematic.

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“Some think that shipping real-life people is problematic. I think that humans cannot stop this natural tendency,” Howell said, later adding that “a line gets crossed” when fan speculation turns into investigation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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