Definition for word problems

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

Drug overdoses remain a serious public health problem nationwide.

—Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 31 Mar. 2023

No problem, said TVR.

—Brendan Mcaleer, Car and Driver, 31 Mar. 2023

That’s a problem by itself.

—Jeffrey Bellin, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2023

Nationally, more than 100 million people are burdened with medical debt, which can cause problems such as food insecurity, a loss of housing and bankruptcy.

—Donovan J. Thomas, ajc, 31 Mar. 2023

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause redness, pimples, and eye problems.

—Cindy Kuzma, Health, 31 Mar. 2023

Set a cohesive multi-communication customer servicing strategy to address their problems and increase their satisfaction.

—Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 31 Mar. 2023

But Daniels also saw a potential problem.

—The Indianapolis Star, 31 Mar. 2023

But save those problems for another day.

—The Editorial Board, WSJ, 31 Mar. 2023

The obvious solution to a non-problem MLB felt the need to address is to have the player on deck retrieve the bat at the plate and toss it toward the dugout.

—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023

But for most of us, video might simply be the latest non-solution to a non-problem.

—Amanda Mcloughlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2022

In response largely to a non-problem, Democrats want to trample on the prerogatives of states to conduct elections, mandating their electoral priorities throughout the land.

—Rich Lowry, National Review, 9 Mar. 2021

The staff is trained to address residents who show confused or problem behavior.

—San Diego Elder Law Center, sandiegouniontribune.com, 24 Apr. 2018

Many people might be surprised to learn that undocumented immigrants are not typically problem children.

—Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, 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, 30 Dec. 2016

Tracy Chou, a young engineer at Pinterest, is tackling tech’s women problem head-on.

—Nathan Heller, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2014

See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘problem.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Источник

prob·lem

(prŏb′ləm)

1. A question to be considered, solved, or answered: math problems.

a. A situation, matter, or person that is hard to deal with or understand: was having problems breathing; considered the main problem to be his boss. See Usage Note at dilemma.

b. A personal matter that causes one difficulty or needs to be dealt with: felt her tyrannical boss had deep-seated problems.

3. A misgiving, objection, or complaint: I have a problem with his cynicism.

adj.

1. Difficult to deal with or control: a problem child.

2. Dealing with a moral or social problem: a problem play.

Idiom:

no problem

1. Used to express confirmation of or compliance with a request.

2. Used to acknowledge an expression of gratitude.

[Middle English probleme, from Old French, from Latin problēma, problēmat-, from Greek, from proballein, to throw before, put forward : pro-, before; see pro-² + ballein, blē-, to throw; see g^welə- in Indo-European roots.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

problem

(ˈprɒbləm)

a. any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome

b. (as modifier): a problem child.

2. a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution

3. (Mathematics) maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions

4. (Literary & Literary Critical Terms) (modifier) designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questions: a problem play.

[C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro-² + ballein to throw]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

prob•lem

(ˈprɒb ləm)
n.

1. any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.

2. a question proposed for solution or discussion.

3. Math. a statement requiring a solution, usu. by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.

adj.

4. difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.

5. Literature. dealing with difficult choices: a problem play.

Idioms:

no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to an expression of gratitude): “Thanks a lot.” “No problem.”

[1350–1400; Middle English probleme < Latin problēma < Greek próblēma orig., obstacle =probállein to throw or lay before (pro- pro-² + bállein to throw) + -ma n. suffix of result]

problem

The noun problem has two common meanings.

1. an unsatisfactory situation

A problem is an unsatisfactory situation that needs to be dealt with.

They discussed the problem of bullying in schools.

You can say that someone has a problem or has problems.

We have a problem with our car.

They are having financial problems at the moment.

You can also say that someone has problems doing something.

Many people are having problems paying their rent.

The company has problems finding suitably qualified staff.

Be Careful!
Don’t say that someone ‘has problems to do’ something. Don’t say, for example, ‘Many people are having problems to pay their rent‘.

2. ‘reason’

Don’t use ‘problem’ with why when you are explaining why a situation has occurred. Don’t say, for example, ‘The problem why he couldn’t come is that he is ill‘. You say ‘The reason why he couldn’t come is that he is ill’.

The reason why the project failed is lack of money.

Collins COBUILD English Usage © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 2004, 2011, 2012

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

problem — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved; «she and her husband are having problems»; «it is always a job to contact him»; «urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog»

difficulty — a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one’s ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome; «grappling with financial difficulties»

race problem — a social and political problem caused by conflict between races occupying the same or adjacent regions

balance-of-payments problem — an economic problem caused by payments for imports being greater than receipts for exports

problem — a question raised for consideration or solution; «our homework consisted of ten problems to solve»

question, head — the subject matter at issue; «the question of disease merits serious discussion»; «under the head of minor Roman poets»

mystifier, puzzle, puzzler, teaser — a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution; «he loved to solve chessmate puzzles»; «that’s a real puzzler»

case — a problem requiring investigation; «Perry Mason solved the case of the missing heir»

homework problem — a problem that students are assigned to do outside of class

Gordian knot — any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms

koan — a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning

pons asinorum — a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person

rebus — a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words

problem — a source of difficulty; «one trouble after another delayed the job»; «what’s the problem?»

difficulty — a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result; «serious difficulties were encountered in obtaining a pure reagent»

pressure point — where problems or difficulties are likely to occur; «a key pressure point in the controversy was the building permit»

can of worms — a source of unpredictable trouble and complexity

growing pains — problems that arise in enlarging an enterprise (especially in the early stages)

hydra — trouble that cannot be overcome by a single effort because of its many aspects or its persistent and pervasive quality; «we may be facing a hydra that defies any easy solution»

matter — a problem; «is anything the matter?»

problem

noun

1. difficulty, trouble, dispute, plight, obstacle, dilemma, headache (informal), disagreement, complication, predicament, quandary, turf war (informal) the economic problems of the inner city

adjective

1. difficult, disturbed, troublesome, unruly, delinquent, uncontrollable, intractable, recalcitrant, intransigent, unmanageable, disobedient, ungovernable, refractory, maladjusted Sometimes a problem child is placed in a special school.

Proverbs
«A problem shared is a problem halved»

Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002

problem

noun

A situation that presents difficulty, uncertainty, or perplexity:

Translations

problém

problemopgave

problemo

harjutuskitsikusküsimusmõistatusmure

مشکل

ongelma

problem

bajfeladatgondprobléma

dæmivandamál

問題

문제

problemiškas

problēmauzdevumsgrūti audzināms bērns

problémový

problemtežava

problemпроблем

problem

ปัญหา

vấn đề

Collins Spanish Dictionary — Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

Collins English/French Electronic Resource. © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

problem

n → Problem nt; (Math: as school exercise) → Aufgabe f; (= problematic area) → Problematik f; what’s the problem? → wo fehlt’s?; he’s got a drink(ing) problem → er trinkt (zu viel); to have no problem with something → kein Problem or keine Schwierigkeiten mit etw haben, etw nicht problematisch finden; I had no problem in getting the money → ich habe das Geld ohne Schwierigkeiten bekommen; no problem! (inf) → kein Problem!; the whole problem of modernization → die ganze Modernisierungsproblematik; problem area → Problembereich m

problem

problem family

n → Problemfamilie f

problem page

n → Problemseite f

problem play

n → Problemstück nt

problem-solving

n → Problemlösung f; problem skills → Problemlösungsfähigkeit f

Collins German Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged 7th Edition 2005. © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1980 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2005, 2007

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

problem

(ˈprobləm) noun

1. a difficulty; a matter about which it is difficult to decide what to do. Life is full of problems; (also adjective) a problem child.

2. a question to be answered or solved. mathematical problems.

ˌprobleˈmatic(al) (-ˈmӕ-) adjective

problem

→ مُشْكِلَة problém problem Problem πρόβλημα problema ongelma problème problem problema 問題 문제 probleem problem problem problema проблема problem ปัญหา sorun vấn đề 问题

Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009

prob·lem

n. problema; cuestión; trastorno;

___ solving → solución de ___ -s.

English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

No problem
There’s a problem with your fax (US)
There is a problem with your fax (UK)
There’s a problem with the room

Collins Multilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009

Источник

Other forms: problems

If you are facing something that will be difficult to handle, you have a problem on your hands. A problem is a roadblock in a situation, something that sets up a conflict and forces you to find a resolution.

The meaning of the Greek word próblēma meant «to put forth,» which is different from the meaning of problem today, but it reminds you that any problem becomes easier to solve once you have defined it. A math problem is easier once you have the numbers in front of you: that’s why word problems can be so difficult. Problem can also be an adjective in rare cases. Once you were a problem child, but now you spend your time listening to everyone else’s problems.

Definitions of problem

noun

a question raised for consideration or solution

“our homework consisted of ten
problems to solve”

see moresee less

types:

show 11 types…

hide 11 types…

mystifier, puzzle, puzzler, teaser

a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution

case

a problem requiring investigation

homework problem

a problem that students are assigned to do outside of class

brain-teaser, conundrum, enigma, riddle

a difficult problem

poser, sticker, stumper, toughie

a particularly difficult or baffling question or problem

Gordian knot

any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms

koan

a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning

pons asinorum

a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person

rebus

a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words

sudoku

a number puzzle in which the numbers 1 through 9 must be placed into a grid of cells so that each row or column contains only one of each number

acrostic, word square

a puzzle where you fill a square grid with words reading the same down as across

type of:

head, question

the subject matter at issue
noun

a source of difficulty

“what’s the
problem?”

synonyms:

trouble
noun

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

“she and her husband are having
problems”

“urban
problems such as traffic congestion and smog”

synonyms:

job

see moresee less

types:

race problem

a social and political problem caused by conflict between races occupying the same or adjacent regions

balance-of-payments problem

an economic problem caused by payments for imports being greater than receipts for exports

type of:

difficulty

a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one’s ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome

DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘problem’.
Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.
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Источник

Top Definitions
Synonyms
Quiz
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More About Problem
Examples
British
Idioms And Phrases

This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.

[ prob-luhm ]

/ ˈprɒb ləm /

This shows grade level based on the word’s complexity.

noun

any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.

a question proposed for solution or discussion.

Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.

adjective

difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.

Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large: a problem play.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Which sentence is correct?

Idioms about problem

no problem, Informal.

(used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation or affirmation): Sure, no problem, I can do that right away.
(used as a conventional reply to an expression of gratitude or thanks): No problem, I’m glad I could help!

Origin of problem

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English probleme, from Middle French problème, from Latin problēma, from Greek próblēma “something thrown or put forward, projection, obstacle, defence, something offered as an excuse, something proposed as a task, practical or theoretical problem” (akin to probállein “to throw or lay before”), equivalent to pro- pro-² + -blē-, variant stem of bállein “to throw” (cf. parabola) + -ma noun suffix of result

Words nearby problem

probenecid, probie, probiotic, probit, probity, problem, problematic, problematics, problematize, problem page, pro bono

What is a basic definition of problem?

A problem is a situation, question, or thing that causes difficulty, stress, or doubt. A problem is also a question raised to inspire thought. In mathematics, a problem is a statement or equation that requires a solution. Problem has a few other senses as a noun and an adjective.

A problem is a thing or event that causes you to wonder, cry, panic, or get angry. Life is full of problems that we try our best to handle. Something that involves problems or resembles a problem is said to be problematic.

Real-life examples: A clogged toilet is an annoying problem. A rock in your shoe is often just a small problem. An international war is a big problem that causes many other problems for a large number of people.
Used in a sentence: I need to pass this final exam or I am going to have a big problem with the grade for this class!

Problem is used in this same sense as an adjective to mean something is unruly or difficult to handle.

Real-life examples: A problem car doesn’t run well. A problem school has a lot of difficulties that need to be solved. A problem child is someone who is considered rowdy or unruly.
Used in a sentence: Instead of labeling someone a “problem child,” we should try to understand why the child acts the way they do.

A problem is a question or puzzle that is intended to be solved or to be deeply thought about.

Real-life examples: Your teacher may present a problem to the class so you can use what you’ve learned to solve it. Scientists present problems to other scientists so they can work together to think about them and discover new information.
Used in a sentence: Ivan managed to solve the problem of how to separate the rocks and the sand.

In math, a problem is a mathematical statement that lacks a solution (answer) that a student or testee is expected to provide. This sense is nearly always specifically phrased as a “math problem.” These kinds of problems are frequently a source of pain and misery to math students.

Real-life examples: Examples of math problems include “2 + 2 = ?” and “3x + 2y = 30. x = 4. Solve for y.”
Used in a sentence: The math exam consisted of 100 problems that ranged in difficulty.

Where does problem come from?

The first records of problem come from around 1350. It comes from the Greek próblēma, meaning “something thrown or put forward.” It is a noun made by combining the Greek prefix pro- and the verb bállein, meaning “to throw.”

Did you know … ?

How is problem used in real life?

Problem is a common word that people use to refer to things that cause stress or difficulty.

I think I will cause problems for the me of tomorrow

— latino heat (@Im_JeremyM) November 26, 2020

A1: we took a problem our school wanted to talk thru. We then presented the problem to a group. Answered clarifying questions. Then we were asked to sit and listen as the group discussed it. Very insightful to get varying perspectives from educators from other schools.#NYEDChat

— Tyler Arnold 🤙🏾 Dr. Ty (@tyarnold18) October 2, 2018

I’ve been working on math problems for 2 hours now and I’m still not done 😭 someone put me out of my misery please 😩

— eddy is a klee haver (@egbarbatos) November 28, 2020

Try using problem!

Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of problem?

A. difficulty
B. answer
C. trouble
D. issue

Words related to problem

complication, dilemma, dispute, headache, issue, obstacle, question, trouble, botheration, box, count, crunch, disagreement, doubt, hitch, mess, pickle, predicament, quandary, scrape

How to use problem in a sentence

We can now create video-game quality simulations to evaluate complex skills like creativity or problem-solving.
The competition will be an ersatz astronaut training program of sorts, including physical challenges, as well as puzzles and problem-solving tasks, as well as emotionally challenging scenarios, according to Deadline.
Lindsey Graham has changed after 25 years in Washington into someone who puts his political fortunes ahead of problem-solving.
When you have armed soldiers on the streets, I think, as a public affairs officer, that’s a perception problem in and of itself.

The problem in Venezuela is not the oil, it’s the political system.
Several times, either because they forgot or they had a technical problem, they connected directly, and we could see them.
Every once in a while, they act swiftly and acknowledge the problem.
Part of the problem is the mandate of the war and the means with which the U.S. is fighting it do not match up.
The third problem is the evidence of corroborating witnesses.
But this physical involvement, or lack of it, is only part of the problem.
And now let me come to the second problem we opened up in connection with college education—the problem of its extension.
No man can believe it who tests it by his reason in the same way in which he would test any modern problem.
But the essential problem of to-day is to know how far we are to depart from its principles.
We notice that more attention is given to the problem of placing a feature than to that of making a likeness of it.
But the West is not in its essence a time problem; there, they can wait—next week—next month.

British Dictionary definitions for problem

noun

any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
(as modifier)a problem child

a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution

maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions

(modifier) designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questionsa problem play

Word Origin for problem

C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro- ² + ballein to throw

Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

prob·lem

problem

prob•lem

problem

problem

problem

problem

problem

problem

problem

prob·lem

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Idioms about problem

Origin of problem

OTHER WORDS FROM problem

Words nearby problem

MORE ABOUT PROBLEM

What is a basic definition of problem?

Where does problem come from?

Did you know … ?

How is problem used in real life?

Try using problem!

Words related to problem

How to use problem in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for problem

Word Origin for problem

Other Idioms and Phrases with problem