problem

[prob-luh m] /ˈprɒb ləm/
noun
1.
any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
2.
a question proposed for solution or discussion.
3.
Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
adjective
4.
difficult to train or guide; unruly:
a problem child.
5.
Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large:
a problem play.
Idioms
6.
no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude).
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English probleme < Latin problēma < Greek próblēma orig., obstacle, (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
Related forms
subproblem, noun
Synonyms
1, 2. puzzle, riddle, enigma.
Antonyms
1. certitude.
British Dictionary definitions for no problem

problem

/ˈprɒbləm/
noun
1.
  1. any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
  2. (as modifier): a problem child
2.
a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
3.
(maths) a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
4.
(modifier) designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questions: a problem play
Word Origin
C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro-² + ballein to throw
Word Origin and History for no problem

problem

n.

late 14c., "a difficult question proposed for solution," from Old French problème (14c.) and directly from Latin problema, from Greek problema "a task, that which is proposed, a question;" also "anything projecting, headland, promontory; fence, barrier;" also "a problem in geometry," literally "thing put forward," from proballein "propose," from pro "forward" (see pro-) + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics).

Meaning "a difficulty" is mid-15c. Mathematical sense is from 1560s in English. Problem child first recorded 1920. Phrase _______ problem in reference to a persistent and seemingly insoluble difficulty is attested at least from 1882, in Jewish problem. Response no problem "that is acceptable; that can be done without difficulty" is recorded from 1968.

Slang definitions & phrases for no problem

no problem

interjection

An assurance that everything is under control, that no difficulties are at hand in spite of appearances; no sweat: You'd like a red one? No problem (1963+)


problem

Related Terms

have a problem with something


Idioms and Phrases with no problem

no problem

.
Also, no sweat; not to worry. There's no difficulty about this, don't concern yourself. For example, Of course I can change your tire—no problem, or You want more small change? no sweat, or We'll be there in plenty of time, not to worry. The first of these colloquial terms dates from about 1960 and the second from about 1950. The third, originating in Britain in the 1930s and using not to with the sense of “don't,” crossed the Atlantic in the 1970s.
.
You're welcome, as in Thanks for the ride, Dad.—No problem. [ Late 1900s ]

problem

see: no problem