problem

noun prob·lem \ ˈprä-bləm , -bᵊm , -ˌblem \

|Updated on: 2 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: problem in a Sentence

Definition of problem

1 a : a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

b : a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done

2 a : an intricate unsettled question

b : a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation

c : difficulty in understanding or accepting

I have a problem with your saying that

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Examples of problem in a Sentence

Racism and sexism are major social problems.
The company is having financial problems.
He has chronic health problems.
The mechanic fixed the problem with the car.
There are a few problems with your argument.
We have to find a way to solve this problem.
She is bothered by family problems.
We didn't have any problems getting here.
I have my own problems to deal with.
Mosquitoes are a problem in the summer.

Recent Examples of problem from the Web

There’s a potential problem with this research, however, which the authors readily acknowledge.

— evan horowitz, BostonGlobe.com, "Work is getting better, especially for women," 14 July 2018
But the odds are so heavily stacked against trans actors that casting across gender-identification lines becomes a real-world political problem, not a silver screen challenge.

— josephine livingstone, The New Republic, "Scarlett Johansson won’t play a trans man after all.," 13 July 2018
Neurological problems included stroke, debilitating migraine-type headaches and nerve pain, while the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses among the survivors studied were depression and anxiety.

— Fox News, "Ebola survivors suffer severe mental and neurological problems," 12 July 2018
And if there’s a problem, her son-in-law is 15 minutes away.

— blake farmer, Washington Post, "Support Circle: Family Caregivers Share Stories And Tips To Ease Alzheimer’s Toll," 11 July 2018
The biggest problem throughout the two seasons of The Handmaid’s Tale has been that the show can’t quite find a way to unite its world-building ambitions with the constrained environment of Atwood’s book.

— sophie gilbert, The Atlantic, "A Maddening Season Finale for The Handmaid’s Tale," 11 July 2018
Now, all plants are different and some are more finicky than others, but in a lot of cases, the problem lies in the watering.

— brittney morgan, House Beautiful, "This $8 Amazon Find Will Keep You From Killing Your Plants," 10 July 2018
According to a source that reportedly saw the duo on a date last month, Jenner and Simmons had no problem piling on the PDA in front of their friends.

— ruby buddemeyer, Marie Claire, "See Inside Kendall Jenner and Ben Simmons' Rumored Summer Home," 10 July 2018
But there’s other problems: 50 percent of people killed by law enforcement are disabled.

— laurel pinson, Glamour, "Maysoon Zayid Is the Most Fearless Comic Alive," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'problem.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of problem

Middle English probleme, from Latin problema, from Greek problēma, literally, obstacle, from proballein to throw forward, from pro- forward + ballein to throw — more at pro-, devil

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First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

problem Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of problem

mystery, problem, enigma, riddle, puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

- the mystery of the stone monoliths

problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

- problems created by high technology

enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

- his suicide remains an enigma

riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

- the riddle of the reclusive pop star

puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

- the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police

problem

adjective

Definition of problem

1 : dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship

a problem play

2 : difficult to deal with

a problem child

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Recent Examples of problem from the Web

The staff is trained to address residents who show confused or problem behavior.

— san diego elder law center, sandiegouniontribune.com, "CHECKLIST: When it's time for memory care," 24 Apr. 2018
Many people might be surprised to learn that undocumented immigrants are not typically problem children.

— ellen mcgirt, Fortune, "7 Reasons Why China Banned ICOs," 5 Mar. 2017
Problem officers make things difficult for good ones, said Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, America’s largest police-labor organization.

— gary fields, WSJ, "Why Some Problem Cops Don’t Lose Their Badges," 30 Dec. 2016
Tracy Chou, a young engineer at Pinterest, is tackling tech’s women problem head-on.

— nathan heller, Vogue, "How Pinterest Engineer Tracy Chou Is Breaking the Silicon Ceiling," 21 Nov. 2014

First Known Use of problem

1894

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

PROBLEM Defined for English Language Learners

problem

noun

Definition of problem for English Language Learners

: something that is difficult to deal with : something that is a source of trouble, worry, etc.
: difficulty in understanding something
: a feeling of not liking or wanting to do something