Definition of problem
1a : a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solutionb : a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done
2a : an intricate unsettled questionb : a source of perplexity, distress, or vexationc : difficulty in understanding or accepting I have a problem with your saying that
From the M-W Editors
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
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But since the victims themselves may be involved in other lawlessness, one problem is getting them to report attacks at all.
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Patients in the study had blocked arteries, heart rhythm problems or heart failure.
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Of course, public philosophies change over time, sometimes markedly so, because the problems that history throws at them change too.
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Those were all deeply rooted problems with the old health care system.
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Five years after The New York Times took a noise meter to restaurants, bars, stores and gyms across the city and found dangerous decibel levels, the city’s noise problem has only gotten worse, according to noise experts and residents.
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One of the problems is that some varieties take longer to harvestable size than others.
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The project began in the spring, when the students began to learn about this city-wide problem.
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The problem, which generated complaints from customers across the U.S., prevented people from accessing accounts on smartphones and other devices.
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.
Synonym Discussion of problem
problem
Definition of problem
1 : dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship a problem play
2 : difficult to deal with a problem child
Recent Examples of problem from the Web
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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.
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Tracy Chou, a young engineer at Pinterest, is tackling tech’s women problem head-on.
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.
First Known Use of problem
1894
PROBLEM Defined for English Language Learners
problem
playDefinition of problem for English Language Learners
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: something that is difficult to deal with : something that is a source of trouble, worry, etc.
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: difficulty in understanding something
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: a feeling of not liking or wanting to do something
problem
Definition of problem for English Language Learners
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: difficult to deal with
PROBLEM Defined for Kids
problem
playDefinition of problem for Students
1 : something to be worked out or solved a problem in arithmetic
2 : a person or thing that is hard to understand or deal with He's not the problem. His parents are. Her behavior is a big problem.
Learn More about problem
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See words that rhyme with problem Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for problem Spanish Central: Translation of problem Nglish: Translation of problem for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of problem for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about problem
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