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
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That emerging science has raised concerns that decades of government regulations, aimed at curbing smog that builds up across vast urban areas, are not sufficiently tailored to the more localized problem of roadway pollution.
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In Kentucky, the best chance of finding problems is to search the records offered by the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure.
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Second, if indeed Obamacare’s most pressing problem is branding, the law couldn’t hope for a more gifted brand rehabber than the next president.
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Prosecutors say the defendants were part of a scheme to cause traffic problems in Fort Lee, N.J., to punish the borough’s Democratic mayor for not endorsing Mr. Christie, a Republican.
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In her closing, Ogg reminded voters of the litany of problems that have erupted across the county's criminal justice system.
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Josh Waites, director of the state department’s special investigations unit, said many of the refunds still pending are likely being investigated for problems.
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Both problems should eventually heal, but many doctors recommend not flying with a stuffy nose.
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These numbers are a huge problem, for the economy and the environment.
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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