any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
a question proposed for solution or discussion.
Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
adjective
difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.
Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large: a problem play.
Idioms for problem
no problem, Informal.
(used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation or affirmation): Sure, no problem, I can do that right away.
(used as a conventional reply to an expression of gratitude or thanks): No problem, I’m glad I could help!
Origin of problem
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” (cf. parabola) + -ma noun suffix of result
SYNONYMS FOR problem
1, 2 puzzle, riddle, enigma.
SEE SYNONYMS FOR problem ON THESAURUS.COM
ANTONYMS FOR problem
1 certitude.
SEE ANTONYMS FOR problem ON THESAURUS.COM
OTHER WORDS FROM problem
sub·prob·lem,noun
Words nearby problem
probie, probiosis, probiotic, probit, probity, problem, problematic, problematics, problem-oriented record, problem page, pro bono
We can now create video-game quality simulations to evaluate complex skills like creativity or problem-solving.
Why hasn’t digital learning lived up to its promise?|Walter Thompson|September 17, 2020|TechCrunch
The competition will be an ersatz astronaut training program of sorts, including physical challenges, as well as puzzles and problem-solving tasks, as well as emotionally challenging scenarios, according to Deadline.
Contestants will compete for a SpaceX trip to the International Space Station in new reality TV show|Darrell Etherington|September 17, 2020|TechCrunch
Lindsey Graham has changed after 25 years in Washington into someone who puts his political fortunes ahead of problem-solving.
Jaime Harrison Says He Feels ‘A Little Sad’ For Lindsey Graham|Hope Wright|September 17, 2020|Essence.com
When you have armed soldiers on the streets, I think, as a public affairs officer, that’s a perception problem in and of itself.
Mobilizing the National Guard Doesn’t Mean Your State Is Under Martial Law. Usually.|by Logan Jaffe|September 17, 2020|ProPublica
The problem in Venezuela is not the oil, it’s the political system.
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast)|Stephen J. Dubner|September 17, 2020|Freakonomics
Every once in a while, they act swiftly and acknowledge the problem.
Today’s GOP: Still Cool With Racist Pandering?|Michael Tomasky|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Part of the problem is the mandate of the war and the means with which the U.S. is fighting it do not match up.
Pentagon Doesn’t Know How Many People It’s Killed in the ISIS War|Nancy A. Youssef|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
The third problem is the evidence of corroborating witnesses.
Buckingham Palace Disputes Sex Allegations Against Prince ‘Randy Andy’|Tom Sykes|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But this physical involvement, or lack of it, is only part of the problem.
Flight 8501 Poses Question: Are Modern Jets Too Automated to Fly?|Clive Irving|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Anyone who tries to draw attention to threats instead of quietly burying them is worsening the problem.
Cover-Ups and Concern Trolls: Actually, It's About Ethics in Suicide Journalism|Arthur Chu|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
It must be acknowledged, however, that the problem which faced this General was one of great difficulty.
The Great Boer War|Arthur Conan Doyle
Adams left the problem as he found it, and came north to stumble over others, less picturesque but nearer.
The Education of Henry Adams|Henry Adams
Indeed, in almost every case that required a thorough comprehension of the Mexican problem, he blundered.
The War With Mexico, Volume I (of 2)|Justin H. Smith
But on the other side the complete solution of this problem leads either to Spinozistic or to Leibnitzian dogmatism.
Solomon Maimon: An Autobiography.|Solomon Maimon
Over this problem both ranchman and soldier, Arnold and Stout, looked grave indeed.
An Apache Princess|Charles King
British Dictionary definitions for problem
problem
/ (ˈprɒbləm) /
noun
any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
(as modifier)a problem child
a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
mathsa statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
(modifier)designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questionsa problem play
Word Origin for problem
C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro- ² + ballein to throw