😟 A difficult situation 🧮 A question to solve

problem

637 1.0

A question given to be solved, often in math or a test

noun
/ˈprɒbləm/

: problema

So how hard is that problem for computers?
solve problems
problem-solving
math problems

So how hard is that problem for computers?

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Examples

So, how do you solve this problem?

Hit Man (2024)
OK, so let's now analyze a problem and see what would happen.
I think we can work out that problem if we give it a little thought.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Next time you are stuck on a math problem, just go for a walk.
The reasons for the reductions may be that the government faced serious budget problems during its early years.

Academic text (2011)
It's starting to sink in, and I've got a problem, a big problem.

The World's Fastest Indian (2005)
Due to a technical problem with our radar tracking system, all flights are postponed until further notice.

Rat Race (2001)
Interesting problem.

The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Fifteen Years Later Affair (1983)
What's the problem?

The Cable Guy (1996)
If you want to improve your math skills, practice solving a challenging problem every day.

Synonyms

question

vsproblem

Formal

∞ 1.0

The subject or topic being discussed

is a specific task for solution rather than a general discussion topic

homework problem

vsproblem

1 1.3

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

is the general concept not limited to assigned student exercises

mathsy problem

vsproblem

8.5

A problem that needs math thinking to solve

is the neutral, general term used especially in math and tests

Antonyms

solution

∞ 2.1

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

Idioms

no problem

Informal

618 1.0

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

what is your problem

Informal

120 7.8

A question asking why someone is upset or acting angry

Houston, we have a problem

Informal

1 7.1

To tell others there is a serious or unexpected problem

Compounds

health problem

82 1.4

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

problem solving

27 2.5

Finding ways to deal with difficult or complex situations

problem solver

12 3.1

A person who finds answers to difficult situations

complex problem

11 4.9

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

race problem

3 6.3

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

homework problem

1 1.3

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

moisture problem

1 3.4

Excess water or wetness that causes damage in buildings

bedwetting problem

4.4

Peeing during sleep that a person cannot control

Cadillac problem

9.1

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

chess problem

4.6

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

chesticle problem

Slang

9.9

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

balance-of-payments problem

Specialized

7.7

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

layer 8 problem

Jargon

9.6

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

litter problem

2.3

A situation where trash builds up and causes problems

mathsy problem

8.5

A problem that needs math thinking to solve

problem-oriented language

Specialized

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

two-body problem

Jargon

8.9

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

How Hard

challenge

∞ 3.1

brain-teaser

3 6.5

puzzle

610 1.9

problem

637 1.0

exercise

171 2.1

question

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

problem singular

problems plural

Etymology

Problem comes from Greek parts pro- 'forward' and ballein 'to throw', and long ago it meant a question 'thrown forward' to be thought about. So a math problem is a question set for you to solve.