problematical
2
8.1
- adjective
- /ˌprɒbləˈmætɪkəl/
:
problemático
- The new policy proved to be problematical for many employees, causing confusion and delays.
- less problematical
- more problematical
- most problematical
That's the way a meta problematical thing becomes a mystery.
- That's the way a meta problematical thing becomes a mystery.
- Another aspect of this problematical world, as he says, is that it's the world where techniques of whatever kind reign supreme.
Examples
-
Still, regulation appears problematical for many cases in agriculture because of technical and political problems.
Academic text (1998) -
At this point, the prospects for success remain problematical, but on balance, the minimal risks of these policy experiments seem well worth taking.
Academic text (2000) -
In the real world, each of these is problematical.
Academic text (2010) -
For much of the rest of the South, manufacturing, marketing, and transportation were problematical, which added to Macon's importance.
Academic text (2007) -
In its place stood the more troubling, problematical, and realistic conflict of the good versus the good.
Academic text (1990) -
Graziers were reluctant to destroy a plant that, though problematical, might keep their starving cattle alive until the rains came.
Academic text (1992) -
Thus, transitions from the signing of accords to their implementation are very problematical.
Academic text (1995) -
Problematical issues urgently need to be assessed and analyzed, and solutions to planning quandaries must be found.
Academic text (1998) -
Catherine and James stand examining the mark soberly, archaeologists faced with a problematical hieroglyph.
Fiction book (1996) -
Finding a solution to the environmental issues seems problematical, given the lack of resources.
Synonyms
∞
2.6
Hard to do or understand and needing a lot of effort
876
5.4
Difficult to understand or deal with because it has many connected parts
386
2.1
Hard to control or deal with, often not willing to help
214
3.9
Difficult to do because it has hidden problems
133
5.6
Hard to deal with and often not clear
52
7.0
Hard to understand or describe, like the meaning of a symbol
49
3.9
Causing worry or annoyance and hard to deal with
27
6.4
Hard to understand and causing confusion
1
8.1
Difficult to solve or understand, often about problems
1
5.1
Fairly difficult and needing some skill or care to do
Antonyms
How Difficult
Surface Forms
Morphology
problematical = problematic (transparent) = problem + atic + al
This sense is a straightforward adjectival derivation from 'problematic' and thus predictable for learners familiar with 'problem'/'problematic'.
Etymology
Problematical comes from the same root as the everyday word problem, which originally meant 'something put forward to be solved'. That's why problematical often means 'difficult to understand, solve, or deal with', because it is something that causes trouble or complications.