problem

noun

prob·lem | \ ˈprä-bləm,

-bᵊm, -ˌblem\

Definition of problem

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution

b : a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done

2a : 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

problem

adjective

Definition of problem (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship a problem play

2 : difficult to deal with a problem child

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about problem

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Synonyms & Antonyms for problem

Synonyms: Noun

case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble

Antonyms: Noun

answer, solution

Choose the Right Synonym for problem

Noun

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

Examples of problem in a Sentence

Noun

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 on the Web: Noun

The Keio University researchers used this efficiency to build a device to solve the traveling salesman problem. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "A Single Cell Hints at a Solution to the Biggest Problem in Computer Science," 27 Dec. 2018 With more on-road experience than any other competitor, Waymo used its authority to expand its services to real people, with a focus on solving transportation problems for people with disabilities, transit employees, and families. — Alissa Walker, Curbed, "The good, the bad, and the ugly of self-driving cars in 2018," 27 Dec. 2018 The severe weather is likely to cause problems both on the ground and in the sky. — Jennifer Aldrich, Country Living, "AccuWeather Predicts a Major Storm Will Drastically Affect Christmas Travel," 20 Dec. 2018 The responsibility to solve the problem to deal with plastics shouldn’t be placed on the individual as the consumer. — Tabor Wordelman, Teen Vogue, "How to Fight the Global Plastics Problem," 18 Dec. 2018 Innovators' chronicles our treks behind the scenes with travel's disruptors and free thinkers—the people who lead rather than follow, who break things, take risks, solve problems in fresh ways. — Barbara Peterson, Condé Nast Traveler, "JetBlue Founder David Neeleman on How New Airline Moxy Will Change the Way We Fly," 12 Dec. 2018 Evans has an ambitious plan to solve both these problems. — Morgen Peck, Glamour, "Cryptocurrency Is Not Just a Boys' Club," 11 Dec. 2018 In addition, extensive neuropsychological evaluations look at such factors as how quickly people can process information, solve problems or remember words. — Linda Marsa, Discover Magazine, "A New Treatment for Alzheimer's? It Starts With Lifestyle," 16 Nov. 2018 Election Protection, a national hotline for people having problems at the polls, received 17,000 calls by the middle of the afternoon, USA Today reports, with calls coming from Arizona, Georgia, Florida, New York, Michigan, and Texas. — Megan Friedman, Harper's BAZAAR, "Voters Across the Country Are Running Into Issues at the Polls," 6 Nov. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

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

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.