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Glite Dictionary
problem solving

problem solving

27 2.5
Finding ways to deal with difficult or complex situations
  • noun
  • /ˈprɒbləm ˈsɒlvɪŋ/
translation icon : resolución de problemas
  • These days, maths is more about logic and problem solving.
  • problem-solving skills
  • problem-solving method
  • problem-solving process

He's got a very immature level of problem solving and problem recognition.

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Examples

  • Lessons such as these can be engaging and exciting while developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Her problem solving abilities helped the team overcome obstacles and complete the project on time.

  • Brilliant is a problem solving website that gets you to learn by doing.

    Dr. Becky

  • Or, you know, something like problem solving, but on a much lower level perhaps.

  • And we're in this problem solving computer science community.

  • It's an incredible problem solving device.

  • It's more about problem solving, the design aspect.

  • Yet others believe it is a way to teach problem-solving skills.

    Academic text (2011)

  • Brilliant helps build your critical thinking skills through problem solving rather than simple memorization.

  • The Locker Design Challenge is an individual assignment. However, collaborative problem solving is encouraged.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

solving
vsproblem solving
34 2.5

Finding an answer to a problem or question

focuses on a process for finding solutions to difficult or complex issues

Antonyms

avoidance
39 3.7

Keeping away from something or stopping it from happening

inactivity
12 3.5

A period of time with no movement or action

How Effective

problem solving
27 2.5

Surface Forms

problem solving singular
problem solvings plural

Morphology

problem + solving

The meaning 'the process of finding solutions to difficult or complex issues' is directly compositional from 'problem' (a difficulty) + 'solving' (the act/process of resolving), so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the phrase. This noun-noun/gerund combination follows a common cross-linguistic pattern for naming activities, making the phrase transparent.

Etymology

The phrase problem solving comes from the image of treating a problem like a puzzle and solving it by finding the missing piece or untying a knot. That's why it means 'finding solutions to difficult issues'.