problem

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

|Updated on: 21 Jun 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

Schramm argues that companies spring from ideas and that the cookbook business plan approach is obsolete and antithetical to true problem solving.

— neil senturia, sandiegouniontribune.com, "It helps to write coherently and to make a profit," 18 June 2018
New Jersey’s problems only start with rising water.

— frank kummer, Philly.com, "New Jersey is getting hotter faster than most of the U.S. Get ready to move to higher ground," 18 June 2018
In four starts in CART and IndyCar at Road America, Dixon has won once, finished fourth once, dropped out with mechanical problems twice and never qualified worse than fifth.

— dave kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Five drivers to watch and what you need to know when the Indy cars return to Elkhart Lake," 18 June 2018
An answer to a problem that didn’t seem to have one.

— Anchorage Daily News, "Unintended consequences: Inside the fallout of America’s crackdown on opioids," 17 June 2018
But economists, including liberal ones, contend that rent control leads to decreases in home building, and housing shortages are a key driver of California’s affordability problem.

— liam dillon, latimes.com, "Californians will make a big decision on rent control in November," 16 June 2018
This is the feeling that all that is needed to solve the country’s problems is a strong leader set free from the shackles of politics.

— adam kirsch, The Atlantic, "Bill Clinton’s Novel Isn't a Thriller—It's a Fantasy," 16 June 2018
But making inroads with white men isn’t the only, or even a very likely, solution to Democrats’ problem.

— laura mcgann, Vox, "Are Democrats brave enough to run a woman against Donald Trump?," 16 June 2018
Argentina’s problems began in late April after American ten-year Treasury yields rose to 3% for the first time since 2014, prompting a widespread sell-off in emerging markets.

— The Economist, "Argentina’s central-bank president resigns," 15 June 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