problem-solving

noun

prob·​lem-solv·​ing ˈprä-bləm-ˌsäl-viŋ 

-ˌsȯl-

variants or problem solving

: the act or process of finding a solution to a problem

Instead of prodding students through remedial drills and worksheets, teachers began exposing them to heavy loads of literature, research, problem-solving and analytical discussion …

—Hilary Stout

Invention, practical problem solving, improvisation and innovation are all part and parcel of one another.

—Jane Jacobs

[Vickie] Chase said she has taken her scouts to various artificial rock climbing walls. … "With indoor climbing, it's easy to get a grip," she said. "There's a lot more obstacles on a natural surface rock. It can be slippery, and you have to utilize your own problem-solving skills to make it to the top."

—David Ashby

Examples of problem-solving in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Capricorn December 22 – January 19 A confusing message or sudden change could send your mind into problem-solving mode. — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 24 Sep. 2026

Even five minutes of reading fiction can reduce stress by 20 percent and improve focus and problem-solving skills. — Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 24 Sep. 2026

What this means in practice is that human skills—such as analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, communication, emotional intelligence and resilience—become more valuable, not less. — Mo Husain, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Because of the problem-solving skills, crazy numbers, math—I’m an engineer before anything. — Kara Jillian Brown, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for problem-solving

• absolving
• devolving
• dissolving
• evolving
• involving
• resolving
• revolving
• solving