Problem Definition

prŏbləm
problems
noun
problems
A question proposed for solution or consideration.
Webster's New World
A question, matter, situation, or person that is perplexing or difficult.
Webster's New World
A proposition requiring solution by mathematical operations, constructions, etc.
Webster's New World
A personal matter that causes one difficulty or needs to be dealt with.
Felt her tyrannical boss had deep-seated problems.
American Heritage
A misgiving, objection, or complaint.
I have a problem with his cynicism.
American Heritage
Antonyms:
adjective
Presenting a problem of human conduct or social relationships.
A problem novel.
Webster's New World
Very difficult to deal with; esp., very difficult to train or discipline.
A problem child.
Webster's New World
idiom
no problem
  • Used to express confirmation of or compliance with a request.
  • Used to acknowledge an expression of gratitude.
American Heritage
have a problem with
  • 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

Webster's New World
no problem!
  • yes!; I will do what you ask!
  • easily done!
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Problem

Noun

Singular:
problem
Plural:
problemata, problems

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Problem

Origin of Problem

  • From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin problema, from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (problema, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory"), from προβάλλω (proballo, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward"), from προ- (pro-, “in front of") + βάλλω (ballo, “to throw, to cast, to hurl").

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English probleme from Old French from Latin problēma problēmat- from Greek from proballein to throw before, put forward pro- before pro–2 ballein blē- to throw gwelə- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to problem using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words Ending With

Unscrambles

problem