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

Now for the good news: Nvidia’s engineers have identified the culprit, the Nvidia Display Container process, and have released a hotfix that alleviates the problem. — Brad Chacos, PCWorld, "Nvidia hotfix curbs aggressive CPU usage by latest GeForce driver," 30 Apr. 2019 Unfortunately, eradicating the problems associated with food deserts isn’t as easy as giving the people who live in them access to supermarkets. — Jessica Booth, Redbook, "Everything You Need To Know About Food Deserts," 29 Apr. 2019 The organization provides housing for 151 young people who are dealing with a range of problems such as homelessness, mental illness, recovering from substance misuse, or are fleeing domestic violence. — Omid Scobie, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince Harry Talks Babies, Fortnite, and the Dark Side of Social Media," 3 Apr. 2019 Getting wet outside comes with all kinds of annoying problems like pants that are soaked to the knee and broken umbrellas. — Gena Kaufman, Glamour, "21 Rainy-Day Date Ideas That Aren't Another Movie," 30 Mar. 2019 Beat the problem head-on by having your residence structurally repaired. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "How to Get Rid of Mice: The Ultimate Guide to a Rodent-Free Home," 28 Mar. 2019 If running to the salon to solve your split end problem is not going to happen any time soon, consider coconut oil your right-hand man for a quick fix. — Maya Allen, Marie Claire, "10 Ways Coconut Oil Can Give You the Best-Looking Hair of Your Life," 12 Apr. 2019 But the Mets are stuck with their biggest problem: their home ballpark, the most fearsome obstacle in all of baseball. — Jared Diamond, WSJ, "Even the Mets’ Home Stadium Is Mocking Them," 3 Apr. 2019 If a mouse isn't your problem, but your aging computer, Amazon is discounting laptops and desktops specifically built to be A+ gaming machines. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "Get Razer's Best Mouse, and Other Gaming Gear, for Cheap Today Only," 26 Mar. 2019

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.