problem

play

noun prob·lem \ˈprä-bləm, -b^əm, -ˌblem\

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

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See problem defined for kids

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

But since the victims themselves may be involved in other lawlessness, one problem is getting them to report attacks at all.

— The Economist, "New fears, old menaceAcid attacks have a long history in Britain," 20 July 2017
Patients in the study had blocked arteries, heart rhythm problems or heart failure.

— liz szabo, Kaiser Health News, "Depression Among Heart Attack Survivors Can Be Deadly, Yet Is Often Ignored," 20 July 2017
Of course, public philosophies change over time, sometimes markedly so, because the problems that history throws at them change too.

— john o'sullivan, National Review, "Did William F. Buckley’s Conservative Project End in Failure?," 20 July 2017
Those were all deeply rooted problems with the old health care system.

— joseph gerth, The Courier-Journal, "When attacking Obamacare, McConnell should consider his own battle with polio | Joseph Gerth," 19 July 2017
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.

— winnie hu, New York Times, "New York Becomes the City That Never Shuts Up," 19 July 2017
One of the problems is that some varieties take longer to harvestable size than others.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Yes — you can grow lettuce in summer, but it’s tricky," 19 July 2017
The project began in the spring, when the students began to learn about this city-wide problem.

— staff report, The Aegis, "Havre de Grace Middle students help spread the word about flushing," 19 July 2017
The problem, which generated complaints from customers across the U.S., prevented people from accessing accounts on smartphones and other devices.

— deon roberts, charlotteobserver, "Bank of America customers shut out of accounts in apparent outage," 19 July 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

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 prob·lem

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

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

PROBLEM Defined for English Language Learners

problem

play

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

problem

adjective

Definition of problem for English Language Learners

: difficult to deal with

PROBLEM Defined for Kids

problem

play

noun prob·lem \ˈprä-bləm\

Definition 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.