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problematic

problematic

133 5.6
Hard to deal with and often not clear
  • adjective
  • /ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk/
translation icon : problemático
  • The BP oil spill looks to be Feinberg's most problematic challenge to date.
  • problematic behavior
  • problematic substance misuse
  • problematic use

The aspects of the work that I find problematic are pretty minor.

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Examples

  • Parenting is described as a problematic relationship, and the mode for solving this is talking.

    Academic text (2011)
  • If he becomes problematic, we'll deal with him.

  • Are there any things that are problematic about the text?

  • The snow has been problematic to say the least.

  • Why is it so problematic and how do we reduce it?

  • Well, I mean, it's certainly going to be very problematic for average people.

  • Making assessment meaningful is problematic in the current educational climate.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Ultimately, research supported the success of these policies in reducing problematic alcohol use and alcohol-related injury, crimes, and violence.

    Academic text (2011)
  • First, to placate the protesters, the government might adopt some of their problematic proposals.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Eating too much sugar can be problematic for your health over time.

Synonyms

tough
vsproblematic
2.6

Hard to do or understand and needing a lot of effort

includes that effort aspect but adds the idea of uncertainty
difficult
vsproblematic
386 2.1

Hard to control or deal with, often not willing to help

is broader, also including uncertainty rather than only resistance
tricky
vsproblematic
214 3.9

Difficult to do because it has hidden problems

is like this sometimes but also covers general uncertainty or trouble
questionable
vsproblematic
176 3.9

Probably not true or trustworthy

may share doubt but also refers to causing practical difficulties
troublesome
vsproblematic
49 3.9

Causing worry or annoyance and hard to deal with

is similar but also can mean uncertain rather than just annoying
debatable
vsproblematic
34 5.0

Open to question or discussion

can be that way but also stresses causing practical problems
problematical
vsproblematic
2 8.1

Hard to understand or deal with

has identical meaning but appears as an alternative form
knotty
vsproblematic
1 8.1

Difficult to solve or understand, often about problems

covers complication but can also mean simply uncertain or causing doubt

Antonyms

Something that is easy to understand and clear

Easy to deal with or understand

Compounds

Past events many people find wrong or hurtful

How Problematic

serious
2.0
troublesome
49 3.9
problematic
133 5.6
questionable
176 3.9

Surface Forms

problematic positive
problematicer comparative
problematicest superlative

Morphology

problematic = problem (transparent) = problem + atic

The adjective is directly formed from 'problem' with an adjectival suffix meaning 'related to or causing problems', which learners can infer from the base.

Etymology

Problematic comes from the common word problem, which originally comes from Greek parts pro- 'forward' and ballein 'to throw' and meant 'something put forward' or a question to solve. So, something problematic is like a difficulty 'thrown forward' into a plan or situation, which is why it means 'hard to deal with' or 'causing problems'.