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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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

New Orleans’ drainage system, a technological marvel when Albert Baldwin Wood unveiled the screw pump a century ago, has become part of the problem.

— richard rainey, NOLA.com, "NOLA Votes 2017: What to know and ask candidates about Hurricane Katrina's legacy", 6 July 2017
The slowmotion train-wreck that is Italy’s banking system rumbled through another junction Tuesday, as the EU approved a 5.4 billion euro bailout of Monte dei Paschi di Siena, the biggest and most problematic of the country’s problem banks.

— alan murray, Fortune, "CEO Daily: Wednesday, 5th July", 5 July 2017
The problem is that there’s not enough housing getting built, period.

— liam dillon, latimes.com, "What you want to know about California's failed housing affordability law", 5 July 2017
Not everyone with sleep problems in the study had abnormalities in their spinal fluid.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "Can poor sleep lead to Alzheimer's?", 5 July 2017
Testing by Tom's Hardware illustrates the scale of the problem, showing a delta of 71 degrees Celsius between the the i9-7900X's cores and the top of its heat spreader—a strong indication of inefficient heat transfer between the two surfaces.

— mark walton, Ars Technica, "Intel Core i9-7900X review: The fastest chip in the world, but too darn expensive", 4 July 2017
After Chauncey Billups turned down a chance to run the Cavaliers basketball operation, Gilbert has a big, big problem.

— cleveland.com, "Cleveland Cavaliers are searching for a general manager, good luck! -- Terry Pluto (video)", 3 July 2017
One of the rabbits has a problem with his hips and needs medication twice a day.

— sheryl devore, Lake County News-Sun, "Couple on mission to rescue and teach respect for wild, exotic creatures", 2 July 2017
Being pregnant and obese increases risk for gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, infection, overdue pregnancy, labor problems, cesarean section and pregnancy loss.

— by michael roizen, m.d., and mehmet oz, m.d., idahostatesman, "Ten keys to a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby", 2 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!

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.