problem

noun countable

UK /ˈprɒbləm/

Word Forms

singular	problem
plural	problems

1
something that causes trouble or difficulty
a major cause of traffic problems in the city
problem of:
the problem of unemployment
problem for:
Homelessness is a serious problem for a lot of young people.
have problems with:
We’ve been having problems with the heating in the office.
solve a problem:
That still doesn’t solve our problem.
cause someone a problem/cause a problem for someone:
The continuing bad weather is causing serious problems for farmers.
pose (=be) a problem (for someone/something):
Racial tensions in the south of the city pose a real problem for the police.
the (only) problem is (that):
They’re the best cameras on the market. The only problem is they’re incredibly expensive.
Synonyms and related words
General problems and difficulties
problem
difficulty
trouble
Synonyms and related words
Things that make things difficult
problem
obstacle
complication
1. 1a
  something that has a bad effect on someone’s health or behaviour
  a drug/alcohol problem
  health/behaviour problems
  Synonyms and related words
  General problems and difficulties
  problem
  difficulty
  trouble
2. 1b
  only before nounexperiencing a lot of difficulties in life, or causing difficulties for other people
  a problem child/family
  Synonyms and related words
  Causing problems and disagreement
  difficult
  bad
  embarrassing
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with problem
▪ big, fundamental, important, insoluble, intractable, major, pressing, real, serious
Verbs frequently used with problem as the object
▪ address, alleviate, cause, compound, create, encounter, exacerbate, experience, face, overcome, pose, resolve, solve, tackle
2
a question that someone is given to answer as a test of their ability
mathematical problems
Synonyms and related words
Questioning and types of questions
question
inquiry
query
3
a problem shared is a problem halved
used for saying that telling someone about a problem makes it easier to deal withSubmitted by:
Ismail from Russian Federation on 03/08/2017
Open Dictionary - August2017

phrases

have a problem with something

no problem

not be someone’s problem

that’s your problem

what’s your problem?

problem ​‌‌‌

a problem shared is a problem halved

problem ​‌‌‌

a problem shared is a problem halved

problem

problem