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problem

problem

1.2
A situation that causes trouble and needs a solution
  • noun
  • /ˈprɑːbləm/
translation icon : problema
  • We need to find a solution to this problem before it gets worse.
  • solve a problem
  • address problems
  • deal with problems

So we've got a bit of a problem here, he says.

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Examples

  • The participants also mention that economic problems are seen as a valid reason for corruption.

    Academic text (2011)
  • And we can solve these problems with a few good things.

  • So these are two big problems, huge problems.

  • You are the main problem for my country.

  • A much bigger problem than I thought.

  • This is one of the hardest problems ever.

  • Students are sent to the learning common to get help solving problems related to information technology.

    Academic text (2011)
  • There are, of course, all of the problems associated with being a minority language.

    Academic text (2011)
  • We've got a serious unemployment problem on our hands.

  • The following issues were agreed upon as the main problems confronting the inmates and workers:

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

issue
vsproblem
3.0

An important topic or problem people discuss

is the broader label for any difficult situation, not only topics
trouble
vsproblem
1.0

A situation that causes difficulty, worry, or inconvenience

is the neutral term for any circumstance that causes difficulty
matter
vsproblem
2.9

A problem that causes worry or makes someone unwell

is the general everyday word for any difficult situation
challenge
vsproblem
3.1

A difficult task that tests a person's skill and will

is any difficult circumstance, not always a test or task
obstacle
vsproblem
343 3.4

A thing or problem that makes it hard to reach a goal

is any difficult situation, not only obstacles to forward movement
complication
vsproblem
99 4.1

Something that makes a plan or situation harder to deal with

is the base difficulty itself rather than an extra complicating factor
predicament
vsproblem
81 5.8

A difficult or embarrassing situation that is hard to escape

is the general notion of difficulty, not only inescapable states
major issue
vsproblem
51 3.2

An important problem that needs a solution

covers any difficulty, not only those of great importance
conundrum
vsproblem
45 8.5

A confusing problem or question that is hard to solve

is a general difficulty, not only puzzling or riddle like cases
serious issue
vsproblem
41 3.0

A problem that needs careful attention and action

applies to difficulties generally, not only urgent or grave cases
quagmire
vsproblem
25 7.9

A difficult situation that is hard to escape or solve

is a general difficult situation, not specifically messy or sticky
complex problem
vsproblem
11 4.9

A problem with many connected parts that is hard to solve

is any difficult situation, not necessarily involving many factors
tricky situation
vsproblem
4 3.7

A difficult situation that is hard to deal with

is the wider word for difficulty, not limited to delicate situations
knotty issue
vsproblem
6.8

A difficult problem that is hard to solve

can be simpler and not always tangled or deeply complex
knotty situation
vsproblem
7.7

A difficult problem with no easy solution

is the general term for difficulty, not only entangled cases
thorny challenge
vsproblem
7.4

A difficult problem that needs careful handling

is broader, not limited to delicate or sensitive cases

Antonyms

2.1

An answer to a problem or a way to deal with a difficult situation

2.8

Something that helps a person do better than others

Idioms

no problem
  • Informal
618 1.0

Saying that something can be done easily or that you do not need to worry

120 7.8

A question asking why someone is upset or acting angry

To tell others there is a serious or unexpected problem

Compounds

A condition of the body or mind that makes someone unwell and may stop them from working

Finding ways to deal with difficult or complex situations

A person who finds answers to difficult situations

A problem with many connected parts that is hard to solve

problem child
  • Informal
8 4.0

A child or project that often causes trouble and needs extra attention

3 6.3

A problem caused by conflict between people of different races in a community

A question or exercise the teacher gives students to do at home

Excess water or wetness that causes damage in buildings

Peeing during sleep that a person cannot control

A situation when you have too many very good choices to pick from

A puzzle with chess pieces on a board to reach a set goal like checkmate

9.9

A problem when a man's chest becomes larger and looks like breasts

7.7

When a country buys more from other countries than it sells to them, it has money problems

9.6

A problem caused by people using a system the wrong way, not a fault in the computer or program

A situation where trash builds up and causes problems

A problem that needs math thinking to solve

8.1

A computer language that uses words and ideas from a specific kind of work

two-body problem
  • Specialized
9.2

A physics question about how two objects move when they pull on each other, for example by gravity

8.9

A difficulty when two partners both need jobs in the same place, making moving hard

How Serious

disaster
1.0
crisis
3.1
serious issue
41 3.0
problem
1.2
difficulty
651 2.4

Surface Forms

problem singular
problems plural

Etymology

Problem comes from Greek parts pro- 'forward' and ballein 'to throw', so it originally meant something 'thrown forward' at you. That's why today a problem is a difficulty or obstacle you must deal with — something standing in your way.