problematic

¹prob·lem·at·ic

adj \ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik\

Definition of PROBLEMATIC

1

a : posing a problem : difficult to solve or decide b : not definite or settled : uncertain <their future remains problematic> c : open to question or debate : questionable

2

: expressing or supporting a possibility

— prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Variants of PROBLEMATIC

prob·lem·at·ic also prob·lem·at·i·cal \-ti-kəl\

Examples of PROBLEMATIC

1. Rules of grammar are more problematic for non-native speakers.
2. <the problematic situation of somehow having two dates for the same party>

First Known Use of PROBLEMATIC

1609

Related to PROBLEMATIC

Synonyms: catchy, delicate, difficult, dodgy [chiefly British], hairy, knotty, nasty, prickly, tricky (also problematical), sensitive, spiny, sticky, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricksy

Antonyms: certain, hands-down, incontestable, indisputable, indubitable, questionless, sure, undeniable, undoubted, unproblematic, unquestionable

Related Words: abstract, abstruse, complex, complicated, hard, intricate, involved, recondite, serious; problem, scabrous, stubborn, troublesome, troublous, vexatious, vexing, worrisome; burdensome, demanding, discommoding, exacting, exhausting, importunate, inconvenient, onerous, oppressive, painful, stressful

Near Antonyms: easy, effortless, manageable, painless, simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, undemanding, unproblematic

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with PROBLEMATIC

achromatic, acrobatic, aerobatic, anabatic, antistatic, aromatic, Asiatic, astigmatic, autocratic, automatic, bureaucratic, charismatic, cinematic, democratic, diplomatic, Eleatic, emblematic, enzymatic, Hanseatic, hieratic, Hippocratic, hydrostatic, kerygmatic, kleptocratic, melismatic, mobocratic, monocratic, morganatic, numismatic, operatic, phallocratic, photostatic, plutocratic, pre-Socratic, programmatic, symptomatic, systematic, technocratic, theocratic, thermostatic, undogmatic, undramatic