problem Definition
prob·lem (präb′ləm)
noun
- a question proposed for solution or consideration
- a question, matter, situation, or person that is perplexing or difficult
- Math. a proposition requiring solution by mathematical operations, constructions, etc.
Etymology: ME probleme < MFr < L problema < Gr problēma < proballein, to throw forward < pro-, forward + ballein, to throw, drive: see pro- & ball
adjective
- presenting a problem of human conduct or social relationships a problem novel
- very difficult to deal with; esp., very difficult to train or discipline a problem child
problem Idioms
have a problem with
Informal- to be unable to understand or do she has a problem with French verbs
- to disagree with; disapprove of I have a problem with your plans to paint the kitchen purple
no problem
Slangyes; I will do what you ask: used in response to a request
problem Synonyms
problem
n.
A difficulty
dilemma, quandary, obstacle; see difficulty 1, 2, predicament.A question to be solved
problem Usage Examples
Converse of object
- solve: They don't really solve the problem of getting users up on the new OS.
- cause: The fuel oil on the surface of the water was causing terrible problems for men waiting to be rescued.
- tackle: In this essay I tackle the problem of solving every Sudoku puzzle.
- resolve: We have always been told retaliation is not the key to resolving problems.
- have: I've not had a problem in 200+ auctions.
- address: We need to be more innovative in how we address the problem.
Adjective modifier
- mental: The people they work with may be ill or disabled or have physical or mental health problems.
- serious: Are there really serious problems with the law here?
- major: Diabetes is becoming a major health problem in many parts of the world.
- real: Maybe they're the real problem, not our way of life.
- big: Perhaps the biggest problem from the book's age is the slightly stuffy approach.
- common: Get advice on common health problems from the self-help guide.. .
Modifies a noun
- domain: The way he sees it, the language is a mess because the problem domain -- real life -- is also a mess.
- identification: We then proceeded from problem identification, onto diagnosis and risk assessment.
Noun used with modifier
- health: Diabetes is becoming a major health problem in many parts of the world.
- sight: We fight for equal rights for people with sight problems.
- mobility: I am a psychologist who has MS and a moderate level of mobility problems.
- debt: The charity dealt with 1.25 million new cases of debt problems in 2005 alone.
- heart: One day it was heart problems, then hearing loss, then sight problems.
- drug: As a tier 3/4 service they provide for the most severe and complex drug problems.
Browse dictionary entries near problem
- ‹ probity
- ‹ probenecid
- ‹ probe
- ‹ probative
- ‹ probationer
- ‹ probation officer
- ‹ probation
- ‹ probate court
- ‹ probate
- ‹ probang
- Problem of Ascertainment ›
- problematic ›
- problematize ›
- proboscidean ›
- proboscis ›
- proc ›
- procès-verbal ›
- procaine ›
- procambium ›
- procarp ›

