problem

1 of 2

noun

prob·​lem ˈprä-bləm 

-bᵊm,

-ˌblem

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

problem

2 of 2

adjective

1

: dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship

a problem play

2

: difficult to deal with

a problem child

Synonyms

Noun

• challenge
• matter
• issue
• question
• case

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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

Use cloud access or a small on-premises system to tackle a high-value optimization or simulation problem where classical methods struggle. —Yuval Boger, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

In the following years, the early flood warning system that Eastland advocated for – and was once considered state-of-the-art – started to suffer problems. —Curt Devine, CNN Money, 11 July 2025

Adjective

The obvious solution to a non-problem MLB felt the need to address is to have the player on deck retrieve the bat at the plate and toss it toward the dugout. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023

But for most of us, video might simply be the latest non-solution to a non-problem. —Amanda McLoughlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing problem

• attitude problem
• drinking problem
• drink problem
• first world problem
• have a problem with
• no problem
• not a problem
• not someone's problem
• problem-solving
• therein lies the problem
• what's someone's problem
• word problem

Rhymes for problem

• subproblem

Kids Definition

problem

1 of 2 noun

prob·​lem ˈpräb-ləm 

1

: something to be worked out or solved

a problem in arithmetic

2

a

: something that is hard to understand, deal with, or correct

social problems

have a problem with the car

b

: something that causes one trouble or irritation

of course the mosquitoes are a problem

c

: difficulty in understanding or accepting

I have a problem with your attitude

problem

2 of 2 adjective

1

: dealing with a problem of human conduct or social justice

a problem play

2

: difficult to deal with

a problem child