problem

prob·lem

A school boy solving a math problem.

noun

The definition of a problem is something that has to be solved or an unpleasant or undesirable condition that needs to be corrected.

An example of a problem is an algebra equation.
An example of a problem is when it is raining and you don't have an umbrella.

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"problem." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 25 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/PROBLEM>.

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problem. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/PROBLEM

problem

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.

Origin of problem

Middle English probleme from Middle French from Classical Latin problema from Classical Greek probl?ma from proballein, to throw forward from pro-, forward + ballein, to throw, drive: see pro- and ball

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!

Informal

yes!; I will do what you ask!: used in response to a request
easily done!
you're welcome!

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"problem." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 25 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/PROBLEM>.

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problem. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/PROBLEM

problem

noun

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

adjective

Difficult to deal with or control: a problem child.
Dealing with a moral or social problem: a problem play.

Origin of problem

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.

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"problem." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 25 March 2019. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/PROBLEM>.

APA Style

problem. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25th, 2019, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/PROBLEM

Noun

(plural problems or problemata)

A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
A puzzling circumstance.

Adjective

(not comparable)

Difficult to train or guide; unruly.

Origin

From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin problema, from Ancient Greek Ï€ÏÏŒÎ²Î»Î·Î¼Î± (problema, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory"), from Ï€ÏÎ¿Î²Î¬Î»Î»Ï‰ (proballo, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward"), from Ï€ÏÎ¿- (pro-, “in front of") + Î²Î¬Î»Î»Ï‰ (ballo, “to throw, to cast, to hurl").

English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.