problematic

[ 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

Derived Forms

• ˌproblemˈatically, adverb

Other Words From

• prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·prob·lem·at·ic adjective
• non·prob·lem·at·i·cal adjective
• non·prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly adverb
• qua·si-prob·lem·at·ic adjective
• un·prob·lem·at·ic adjective
• un·prob·lem·at·i·cal adjective
• un·prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly 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

Emily Ordaz, the oldest of the victim’s three daughters, said such attitudes are problematic and show law enforcement officers they will face few, if any, consequences, for killings like her father’s.

From Los Angeles Times

Daniel Diermeier, the chancellor of Vanderbilt University, commissioned a study — after his own school’s decline last year — that argued the rankings were problematic.

From New York Times

Ms Tiwari says that this approach is problematic because doing so makes it difficult for pedestrians to access public transport systems, like buses and metros, which can take the pressure off the roads.

From BBC

Boxer’s staff began taping together the papers listing the administration’s problematic moves on the environment.

From Los Angeles Times

"That could be an indicator of a potentially more problematic substance use pattern."

From Science Daily

Related Words

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