problematical
1
7.7
- adjective
- /ˌprɒbləˈmætɪkəl/
:
problemático
- Whether her status as a member of the New Republic hierarchy would make up for that was, in her view, entirely problematical.
- becomes problematical
Examples
-
All of these things are within the realm of the problematical at first, but then can be part of the mystery, right?
-
In fact, its acceptance as a science was problematical for many institutions up until recently.
Blog text (3) -
But as problematical as this... fact may be, I am in love.
-
The connection between state policy and aesthetics has remained problematical.
Academic text (1999) -
However, I have never seen the Society assert a position I found to be problematical.
Blog text (6) -
To date, the existence of Prussian cultural policies remains a problematical assumption.
Academic text (1990) -
This 'great wave of rationalism' he thought to be doubly problematical.
Academic text (1999) -
U.S. public opinion constitutes an important (and potentially problematical) aspect of any continuing U.S. military presence.
Academic text (1993) -
Explored in tandem, these terms illuminate the problematical nature of Walter Camp's assessment.
Academic text (1993) -
The findings of the study are problematical, leaving many questions unanswered.
Synonyms
423
5.0
Likely to cause strong public disagreement
176
3.9
Probably not true or trustworthy
133
5.6
Hard to deal with and often not clear
62
7.4
Causing people to disagree or argue
34
5.0
Open to question or discussion
2
6.6
Open to argument or doubt
1
8.0
A difficult question that many people disagree about
People can argue about it or show it is wrong
Not clearly true or certain
Not accepted as true by some people
Antonyms
How Doubtful
Surface Forms
Morphology
problematical = problematic (transparent) = problem + atic + al
The form and meaning follow regularly from 'problem' → 'problematic' → 'problematical', so learners who know 'problematic' can infer this form.
Etymology
Problematical comes from the old Greek word problem, which meant 'something put forward to be thought about' and includes pro- meaning 'forward'. So problematical describes something that is open to doubt or debate, not certain or settled.