problematize

[ prob-luh-muh-tahyz ]

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.

Other Words From

• prob·lem·a·ti·za·tion [prob-l, uh, m-, uh, -t, uh, -, zey, -sh, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of problematize¹

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

Example Sentences

I was just trying to problematize the way that, if we look at Black life through the lens of white supremacy or social death, in many ways we are erasing and silencing the ways Blackness has to do with this affirmation of life in the context of oppression for the sake of freedom, and the fact that maybe Black freedom is not something that is given.

From Salon

At this point, however, you cannot easily say what he is getting at without playing academic parlor games and resorting to cant words like “problematize” and “liminal.”

From Washington Post

“The show is trying to problematize that tradition of always considering it through a lens of sportswear and reflect the way American designers have been at the forefront of wrestling with contemporary issues, be it ethical, sustainable or social, which are much more emotive.”

From New York Times

“We give them the research, and we allow them to have the discussion, and then to problematize and question anything they are learning,” she said.

From Washington Times

“There is implicit bias, and there is systemic racism, and so we want to problematize that,” said said.

From Washington Times