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.
Examples from the web for problem
  • But perhaps the biggest problem is that schools do not value good teachers over bad ones.
  • Daydreaming can help solve problems, trigger creativity, and inspire great works of art and science.
  • The problem could have been avoided, and it still could be reduced.
  • Nevertheless, there is still a problem.
  • Introduced predators are causing problems for some small mammal species.
  • So there is a problem with the vertical integration.
  • Now we are faced with a new problem.
  • China's problem has become the world's problem.
  • The second, more immediate problem is deflation.
  • Plants have a problem—they are stuck in the ground.
British Dictionary definitions for 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 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 problem

problem

Related Terms

have a problem with something


Idioms and Phrases with problem

problem

see: no problem