problematize

American  

[prob-luh-muh-tahyz] / ˈprɒb lə məˌtaɪz /

verb (used with object)

1. to treat (a commonly accepted concept, idea, belief, etc.) as a problem in need of a solution in order to analyze, question, or deconstruct received wisdom or self-evident truths.

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Other Word Forms

• problematization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of problematize

First recorded in 1905–10; from Greek problēmat-, stem of próblēma problem ( def. ) + -ize ( def. )

Example Sentences

This myth, among others, such as California’s economic dominance and its reputation as a peaceful liberal haven, Didion sought to problematize in her writing.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

Jacobs-Jenkins uses comedy not simply to disrupt and problematize the relationship between playwright and theatergoer, but to spring on a captive audience some horrific historical reality.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2020

A: I don’t want to problematize “feeling content.”

From Slate • Apr. 28, 2020

“But they do not point out the facts that problematize what they are saying.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2018

Attempts to problematize that marriage — to open it up and show whom it excludes — are reliably met with fear and resistance.

From New York Times • Sep. 12, 2016