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problematic Definition

prob·lem·atic (präb′lə mat′ik)

adjective

  1. having the nature of a problem; hard to solve or deal with
  2. not settled; yet to be determined; uncertain
Also problematical prob′·lem·at′i·cal

Etymology: Fr problématique < L problematicus < Gr problematikos < problēma (see problem) + -al

noun

an unresolved problem or inherent difficulty, as in a field of study

Related Forms:

problematic Synonyms

problematic

modif.

problematical, unsettled, doubtful; see doubtful, questionable 1, uncertain 2. See syn. study at doubtful.

problematic Usage Examples

Modifying Another Word

  • ethically: Enhancements per se are not ethically problematic: they are unequivocally good, clearly ethical.
  • inherently: The Union does not consider there to be anything inherently problematic about the event in itself.
  • potentially: This, in itself, is potentially problematic in relation to ethics.
  • morally: Such law is presumably animated by concern about the morally problematic nature of such actions.
  • deeply: Whether the cost is worth it is a deeply problematic issue.

Preposition: for

  • reason: The interpretation of Bauer's work is problematic for several reasons.

Modifies a noun

  • misuser: There are approximately 250,000 350,000 problematic drug misusers in England.
  • misuse: Drug use In general, problematic drug misuse in the South West is roughly in proportion to the region's share of national population.
  • notion: No wonder, then, that my argument that dyslexia is a highly problematic notion was greeted by a storm of angry protest.
  • nature: Such law is presumably animated by concern about the morally problematic nature of such actions.
  • situation: One example of a problematic situation may suffice here.
  • aspect: Getting through the reading has been the most problematic aspect of degree study.

Used with adjective complement

  • prove: The control of Internet usage is proving problematic in many areas.
  • remain: However, facilitating nurse mobility within the EU remains problematic.
  • seem: Access from a web-site or network or intranet seems more problematic.
  • become: These are a few symptoms which may indicate that your Crack or Cocaine use has become problematic.
  • render: He suggests that attempts at remodeling have been rendered problematic by the pressure placed upon Unionists not to participate in the peace process.
  • appear: In either case, the likelihood of professionals and family members establishing authentic partnerships on behalf of the child in question appears problematic.

Preposition: in

  • respect: This claim was found to be problematic in several respects.