problem

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

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

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

Ultimately, Zuckerberg apologized repeatedly for failing to foresee the Cambridge Analytica scandal, and promised that his company is working to prevent similar problems.

— jonathan vanian, Fortune, "Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg Wins Would-Be Congressional Grilling," 11 Apr. 2018
Despite calls to step aside and concerns about mysterious health problems, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria on Monday declared his intention to seek reelection next year, ending months of speculation.

— emmanuel akinwotu, BostonGlobe.com, "Nigeria’s president rebuffs calls to step aside," 10 Apr. 2018
The damage done to Walden Pond echoes a greater problem that plagues many of the national parks, Chodosh writes.

— julissa treviño, Smithsonian, "Humans Have Wreaked Havoc on Walden Pond," 10 Apr. 2018
Part of the problem continues to lie in the recognition of what constitutes an oppressed population.

— sara miller llana, The Christian Science Monitor, "Anti-Semitism stains Labour, Corbyn again. Why does this keep happening?," 10 Apr. 2018
Similar bounty programs that look for software bugs have long been used by companies to crowd source the search for glitches that can lead to security problems.

— elizabeth weise, USA TODAY, "Know of an app that's abusing Facebook user data? It could be worth $40,000," 10 Apr. 2018
How do police shootings relate to America’s gun problem?

— aubrey nagle, Philly.com, "Cosby paid accuser $3.4M, Temple neighbors balk at community center 'bribe' | Morning Newsletter," 10 Apr. 2018
This workshop focuses on eating well while following diabetic guidelines, blood sugar, setting small achievable goals and problem solving to meet those goals.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Windsor Edition," 10 Apr. 2018
The polling bares Trump's previous problem with Republicans.

— harry enten, CNN, "Polls show the GOP is now President Trump's party," 10 Apr. 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

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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

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

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

problem

adjective

Definition of problem for English Language Learners

: difficult to deal with

PROBLEM Defined for Kids

problem

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

Definition of problem

Examples of problem in a Sentence

Recent Examples of problem from the Web

Origin and Etymology of problem

problem Synonyms

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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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problem

Definition of problem for Students

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