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

But several leading European airlines said there had been minimal or no cancellations as a result, although there were indications the situation was more problematic in Latin America and Asia.

Read more on Barron's

The drones were so problematic that they stopped using them in 2024 and haven’t fielded them since, according to people familiar with the matter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Bears have been opportunistic, especially late in games, but that formula could hit a wall against a defense that’s as problematic as Philadelphia’s.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Executives also realized that even when chatbots function perfectly, teens sometimes use them in problematic ways.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But as he was never at the forefront of Impressionism stylistically, it is problematic to cast him as its father.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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