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
-
race problem
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.
Send us feedback
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Look up problem for the last time
Close your vocabulary gaps with personalized learning that focuses on teaching the
words you need to know.
Sign up now (it’s free!)
Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.
Get started
- Top Definitions
- Synonyms
- Quiz
- Related Content
- 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
- (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!
no problem, Informal.
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
OTHER WORDS FROM problem
sub·prob·lem, noun
Words nearby problem
probenecid, probie, probiotic, probit, probity, problem, problematic, problematics, problematize, problem page, pro bono
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
MORE ABOUT PROBLEM
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
Other Idioms and Phrases with problem
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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.
See More
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.
Princeton’s WordNetRate this definition:3.3 / 4 votes
-
problem, jobnoun
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»
-
problemnoun
a question raised for consideration or solution
«our homework consisted of ten problems to solve»
-
trouble, problemnoun
a source of difficulty
«one trouble after another delayed the job»; «what’s the problem?»
WiktionaryRate this definition:3.3 / 3 votes
-
problemnoun
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
-
problemnoun
A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
-
problemnoun
A puzzling circumstance.
Samuel Johnson’s DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes
-
PROBLEMnoun
A question proposed.
Etymology: probleme, Fr. πϱόβλημα.
The problem is, whether a man constantly and strongly believing, that such a thing shall be, it doth help any thing to the effecting of the thing.
Francis Bacon, Nat. Hist.Although in general one understood colours, yet were it not an easy problem to resolve, why grass is green?
Brown.This problem let philosophers resolve,
What makes the globe from West to East revolve.
Richard Blackmore.
WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes
-
Problem
Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities. Problems in need of solutions range from simple personal tasks (e.g. how to turn on an appliance) to complex issues in business and technical fields. The former is an example of simple problem solving (SPS) addressing one issue, whereas the latter is complex problem solving (CPS) with multiple interrelated obstacles. Another classification is into well-defined problems with specific obstacles and goals, and ill-defined problems in which the current situation is troublesome but it is not clear what kind of resolution to aim for. Similarly, one may distinguish formal or fact-based problems requiring psychometric intelligence, versus socio-emotional problems which depend on the changeable emotions of individuals or groups, such as tactful behavior, fashion, or gift choices.Solutions require sufficient resources and knowledge to attain the goal. Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and consultants are largely problem solvers for issues which require technical skills and knowledge beyond general competence. Many businesses have found profitable markets by recognizing a problem and creating a solution: the more widespread and inconvenient the problem, the greater the opportunity to develop a scalable solution.
There are many specialized problem-solving techniques and methods in fields such as engineering, business, medicine, mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and social organization. The mental techniques to identify, analyze, and solve problems are studied in psychology and cognitive sciences. Additionally, the mental obstacles preventing people from finding solutions is a widely researched topic: problem solving impediments include confirmation bias, mental set, and functional fixedness.
Webster DictionaryRate this definition:3.8 / 4 votes
-
Problemnoun
a question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt
-
Problemnoun
anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity
-
Etymology: [F. problme, L. problema, fr. Gr. anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. to throw or lay before; before, forward + to throw. Cf. Parable. ]
FreebaseRate this definition:3.7 / 6 votes
-
Problem
A problem is the relation between human will and reality. When will and reality do not coincide, the resolution of this gap between reality and will is the solution of the problem. A problem implies a desired outcome coupled with an apparent deficiency, doubt or inconsistency that prevents the outcome from taking place.
Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:3.0 / 1 vote
-
Problem
prob′lem, n. a matter difficult of settlement or solution: (geom.) a proposition in which something is required to be done.—adjs. Problemat′ic, -al, of the nature of a problem: questionable: doubtful.—adv. Problemat′ically.—v.i. Prob′lematise. [Fr.,—L.,—Gr. problēma—pro, before, ballein, to throw.]
Suggested ResourcesRate this definition:4.0 / 1 vote
-
problem
Quotes by problem — Explore a large variety of famous quotes made by problem on the Quotes.net website.
-
problem
Song lyrics by problem — Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by problem on the Lyrics.com website.
Matched Categories
-
- Difficulty
- Question
British National Corpus
-
Spoken Corpus Frequency
Rank popularity for the word ‘problem’ in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #310
-
Written Corpus Frequency
Rank popularity for the word ‘problem’ in Written Corpus Frequency: #298
-
Nouns Frequency
Rank popularity for the word ‘problem’ in Nouns Frequency: #23
How to pronounce problem?
How to say problem in sign language?
Numerology
-
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of problem in Chaldean Numerology is: 4
-
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of problem in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9
Examples of problem in a Sentence
-
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel:
We have a trust problem.
-
William Lazonick:
The problem is Carl Icahn, Daniel Loeb, Paul Singer, these people have nothing to do with these companies. They hold shares and make a ton of money by exerting pressure on these companies.
-
Herbert Hainer:
We have not terminated our contract (with the International Association of Athletics Federations), the IAAF (the athletic body) knows exactly where we are going with our policy in terms of doping. We are in very close contact with the IAAF and will watch very closely what they are doing with this problem.
-
Jeb Bush:
This is hard for me, to be honest with you, my brother’s not going to be a problem at all. I seek out his advice, I love him dearly, I’ve learned from his successes and mistakes.
-
David Michael Smith:
Our elected officials and politicians need to hear from the community that not all of us want more cops or harsher policing, we need to get at the root causes of the problem.
Popularity rank by frequency of use
Translations for problem
From our Multilingual Translation Dictionary
- problemaAragonese
- مسألة, مشكلةArabic
- мәсьәләBashkir
- প্রব্লেমBengali
- poelladenn, kudennBreton
- problemaCatalan, Valencian
- problémCzech
- problemWelsh
- problemDanish
- Problem, ÜbungGerman
- πρόβλημαGreek
- problemoEsperanto
- dificultad, lío, bronca, embrollo, problema, ejercicioSpanish
- mure, harjutus, probleem, kitsikus, küsimus, mõistatus, takistusEstonian
- arazo, buruketa, buruhausteBasque
- مشکل, مسئلهPersian
- harjoitus, vaikeus, probleemi, ongelma, harjoitustehtäväFinnish
- problèmeFrench
- duilgheadas, staingScottish Gaelic
- problemaGalician
- בעיהHebrew
- समस्याHindi
- feladat, baj, gond, problémaHungarian
- հարց, խնդիրArmenian
- problemaInterlingua
- problemaItalian
- 問題Japanese
- პრობლემა, ამოცანაGeorgian
- 문제Korean
- problemaLithuanian
- problēma, uzdevumsLatvian
- задача, проблемMacedonian
- хүндрэлMongolian
- kesulitan, masalah, kemusykilanMalay
- problemNorwegian
- probleem, oefeningDutch
- problemNorwegian Nynorsk
- oppgave, utfordringNorwegian
- problèmaOccitan
- kłopot, zadanie, problemPolish
- problema, exercícioPortuguese
- problemăRomanian
- проблема, задача, заданиеRussian
- समस्याSanskrit
- проблем, zadatak, jednadžba, problemSerbo-Croatian
- çështje, problemAlbanian
- problemSwedish
- tatizo, masaibuSwahili
- เรื่อง, โจทย์, ปัญหาThai
- problemaTagalog
- sorunTurkish
- vấn đềVietnamese
- פּראָבלעםYiddish
Get even more translations for problem »
Translation
Find a translation for the problem definition in other languages:
Select another language:
- — Select —
- 简体中文 (Chinese — Simplified)
- 繁體中文 (Chinese — Traditional)
- Español (Spanish)
- Esperanto (Esperanto)
- 日本語 (Japanese)
- Português (Portuguese)
- Deutsch (German)
- العربية (Arabic)
- Français (French)
- Русский (Russian)
- ಕನ್ನಡ (Kannada)
- 한국어 (Korean)
- עברית (Hebrew)
- Gaeilge (Irish)
- Українська (Ukrainian)
- اردو (Urdu)
- Magyar (Hungarian)
- मानक हिन्दी (Hindi)
- Indonesia (Indonesian)
- Italiano (Italian)
- தமிழ் (Tamil)
- Türkçe (Turkish)
- తెలుగు (Telugu)
- ภาษาไทย (Thai)
- Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
- Čeština (Czech)
- Polski (Polish)
- Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian)
- Românește (Romanian)
- Nederlands (Dutch)
- Ελληνικά (Greek)
- Latinum (Latin)
- Svenska (Swedish)
- Dansk (Danish)
- Suomi (Finnish)
- فارسی (Persian)
- ייִדיש (Yiddish)
- հայերեն (Armenian)
- Norsk (Norwegian)
- English (English)
Word of the Day
Would you like us to send you a FREE new word definition delivered to your inbox daily?
Citation
Use the citation below to add this definition to your bibliography:
Are we missing a good definition for problem? Don’t keep it to yourself…
What’s the difference between «problem», «trouble», and «issue»?
The words «problem«, «trouble«, and «issue» are very close in meaning. What’s the difference bewtween them? The answer is quite complicated, actually! Let’s look at the meaning of each word and some of the ways that they’re used:
The meanings of «problem», «trouble», and «issue»
The word «problem» is connected with the word «solution«. A problem is something negative that needs to be solved. Some bad things that happen can’t be called «problems» because they’re unsolvable. For example, if you broke your leg, you probably wouldn’t call your broken leg a «problem». The broken leg can’t be fixed. On the other hand, figuring out how to get to work with a broken leg is a problem.
«Trouble» is less connected to solutions. It’s more connected to negative feelings that you get when bad things happen.
«Issue» is associated with difficult decisions and disagreements. We use «issue» in a similar way to «problem» or «trouble», but it also has another meaning. It can mean a topic that people are talking about or disagreeing on. Social issues and political issues are examples of this kind of «issue».
Using the word «problem»
«Problem» is used more than «trouble» or «issue». A «problem» is something bad that you have to deal with.
You «have» problems.
Sorry, I have a problem with my phone.
Or you say that there «are» problems «with» things:
There’s a problem with the Internet connection.
Is there a problem with it?
«Problems» belong to people, so you can say that something is «your problem», «their problem», etc.:
That’s not my problem.
Ask «What’s your problem?» when you’re angry with someone.
We also use the word «problem» to talk about questions in math textbooks and tests.
Using the word «trouble»
You can «be in trouble» or «get in trouble»:
I used to get in trouble as a teenager for sneaking out of the house at night
You shouldn’t use articles («a» or «the») with «trouble». But you can say «some trouble»:
I’ve had similar trouble with this car before.
Things can «cause trouble»:
I’m so sorry to cause so much trouble for you guys.
You can substitute «problems» or «issues» instead of «trouble» (though they’re not as common). Notice that «problems» and «issues» are countable, but «trouble» is usually uncountable.
You can say that a person «is trouble», which means that they’re dangrous or they cause trouble for other people:
That boy is trouble.
You can use «trouble» with a gerund («have trouble __ing»):
If you have trouble seeing it, feel free to move closer.
But I still have trouble expressing myself.
«Problems» can fit into this pattern too, but it’s much less common.
Say «It’s no trouble» when you’re politely offering to help someone.
A: I can drive Jared to school
B: Really? Are you sure?
A: Yeah, it’s no trouble.
Using the word «issue»
«Issue» is softer-sounding than «problem». You can use the word «issue» to talk about problems at work:
This issue keeps coming up again and again.
I just spoke with Karen. I think we might have an issue.
If there are any issues that require immediate attention, I can be reached on my mobile at 646-469-XXXX.
If you say that a person «has issues», it means that they are mentally or emotionally unhealty. They may need a psychiatrist’s help.
You have serious issues.
«Problems» can work in this phrase too, but it’s not as common.
To say that you don’t like something or disagree with it, use the phrase «have an issue with ___»:
I don’t have an issue with you talking to other guys. What I do have an issue with is you flirting with them.
«Problem» can work in this way too.
When discussing a problem, you can say «the issue is ___» to talk about what the most important part of the problem is.
The issue is the cost.
You can use «problem» the same way, but not «trouble»:
The problem is the cost.
Print this Article