problem

[ prob-luhm ]

noun

1. any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.

   Synonyms: enigma, riddle, puzzle

   Antonyms: certitude

2. a question proposed for solution or discussion.

   Synonyms: enigma, riddle, puzzle

3. Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.

adjective

1. difficult to train or guide; unruly:

   a problem child.

2. Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large:

   a problem play.

problem

/ ˈprɒbləm /

noun

1. 1. any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
   2. ( as modifier )

      a problem child

2. a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
3. maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
4. modifier designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questions

   a problem play

Other Words From

• sub·problem noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of problem¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English probleme, from Middle French problème, from Latin problēma, from Greek próblēma “something thrown or put forward, projection, obstacle, defence, something offered as an excuse, something proposed as a task, practical or theoretical problem” (akin to probállein “to throw or lay before”), equivalent to pro- pro- ² + -blē-, variant stem of bállein “to throw” ( parabola ) + -ma noun suffix of result

Word History and Origins

Origin of problem¹

C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro- ² + ballein to throw

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. no problem, Informal.
   1. (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation or affirmation):

      Sure, no problem, I can do that right away.

   2. (used as a conventional reply to an expression of gratitude or thanks):

      No problem, I’m glad I could help!

More idioms and phrases containing problem

see no problem .

Example Sentences

"Her politics, which are otherwise incoherent, tend to be sympathetic to these two strongmen, painting America as the problem and the dictators as misunderstood," wrote anti-Trump conservative and former Naval War College professor Tom Nichols in an op-ed published by The Atlantic.

From Salon

He will explain that the UK is not alone in having this problem, which he says also affects other parts of Europe, but notes that the US has "a better story to tell".

From BBC

"We fixed the specific issue that caused the problem last year as our first priority and it cannot reoccur."

From BBC

An engineer's password problem hampered efforts to resolve Bank Holiday airport chaos caused by a flight data fault, a report has said.

From BBC

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said the "real issue" was the minister's use of a government car and there would not have been a problem had he used public transport.

From BBC

Related Words

• complication
• dilemma
• dispute
• headache
• issue
• obstacle
• question
• trouble