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

Evaluate technical progress, reliability, problem-solving and customer interactions instead of relying only on time served. — Matthew Darienzo, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2026

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

From there, workers should lean into the softer skills like problem-solving, communication, and business judgment. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026

You’ll be resourced with the problem-solving acumen to see where your math isn’t mathing and to come up with better sales pitches—perhaps even generate a new income stream. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for problem-solving

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