subproblem
noun
sub·prob·lem
ˈsəb-ˌprä-bləm 
: a problem that is contingent on or forms a part of another more inclusive problem
Examples of subproblem in a Sentence
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At that scale, mathematicians could employ AI to solve large swaths of the easiest subproblems, with its results outputted as formal proofs that Lean could check, and step in to handle the most difficult remaining questions themselves.
—
Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026
In this model, a central orchestrator agent receives complex queries, breaks them down into multistep subproblems, delegates each to the appropriate specialized agent and synthesizes the results for a comprehensive answer.
—Narendra Lakshmana Gowda, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The subproblems were small enough to fit in the memory of a modern PC.
—Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019
With that interim solution now incorporated in the subproblems, the process is repeated over and over until the algorithm arrives at the optimal solution.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2019
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Quanta Magazine, 8 June 2026
In this model, a central orchestrator agent receives complex queries, breaks them down into multistep subproblems, delegates each to the appropriate specialized agent and synthesizes the results for a comprehensive answer.
—Narendra Lakshmana Gowda, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The subproblems were small enough to fit in the memory of a modern PC.
—Joseph Calamia, Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019
With that interim solution now incorporated in the subproblems, the process is repeated over and over until the algorithm arrives at the optimal solution.
—IEEE Spectrum, 22 May 2019
Cite this Entry
“Subproblem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subproblem. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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