problem

play

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

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

See problem defined for English-language learners

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

The problem is that in Brazil local production of money comes at a higher cost.

— david biller, Bloomberg.com, "Sale of ‘King’s Mint’ Touches Nationalistic Nerve in Brazil," 30 Aug. 2017
The problem: Moving floodwaters gnaw away at the foundation of bridges and roadways in a process engineers call scouring.

— bart jansen, USA TODAY, "Texas has 53,488 bridges. Here's the toll Harvey is expected to take on those," 30 Aug. 2017
And because fish farms throughout the tropics are feeding chow that contains MT to their tilapia, the hormone may be causing problems elsewhere.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Something is changing the sex of Costa Rican crocodiles," 30 Aug. 2017
For police departments to prevent and solve crimes, all officers need to work routinely in partnership with residents to find solutions to problems.

— jsonline.com, "Trust damaged between Milwaukee police and community, Department of Justice draft report says," 30 Aug. 2017
Rescuers focused at first on people with medical problems or who were frail, but eventually offered to take everyone who wanted out.

— jeff amy and michael kunzelman, chicagotribune.com, "Harvey flooding western Louisiana on anniversary of Katrina," 29 Aug. 2017
The Europeans agreed that the Indians had a drinking problem.

— Longreads, "America’s First Addiction Epidemic," 29 Aug. 2017
The only problem James has had is keeping his emotions in check.

— joe reedy, courant.com, "Florida State safety Derwin James set to challenge Alabama," 29 Aug. 2017
NC State is a popular dark-horse pick to cause some problems in the ACC this season, particularly because of its defense and experience.

— jeff greer, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville football | Ranking the Cards' 2017 games," 27 Aug. 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

problem Synonyms

Synonyms

case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble

Antonyms

answer, solution

Related Words

issue, question; corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot; crux, Gordian knot, sticky wicket, toughie (also toughy); catch-22, dilemma, quandary; catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag; conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle; brainteaser, perplexer, poser, stumper

Near Antonyms

magic bullet, silver bullet; cure-all, panacea

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

See problem defined for English-language learners

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.

Learn More about problem

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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problem Synonyms

Synonyms

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Synonym Discussion of problem

problem

Definition of problem

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PROBLEM Defined for English Language Learners

problem

Definition of problem for English Language Learners

problem

Definition of problem for English Language Learners

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