problematic

noun

Synonyms of problematicnext
: something that is problematic : a problematic aspect or concern

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of problematic was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Problematic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problematic. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

problematic

adjective
prob·​lem·​at·​ic
ˌpräb-lə-ˈmat-ik
variants also problematical
-ˈmat-i-kəl
1
: difficult to solve or decide : puzzling
a problematic situation
2
: not settled : uncertain
their future is still problematic
3
: open to question
the evidence is problematic

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