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problem solver

problem solver

12 3.1
A person who finds answers to difficult situations
  • noun
translation icon : solucionador de problemas
  • In our team, he often plays the role of a problem solver, helping us overcome obstacles with creative ideas.
  • thinkers and problem solvers
  • a creative problem solver
  • Good problem solvers

I'm a big fixing problem solver type of person.

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Examples

  • As a project manager, she is known as a skilled problem solver, always finding effective solutions to challenges.

  • Managers (and staff) must see themselves as not just reactive problem solvers, but active problem finders.

    Academic text (2001)
  • And so I started to realize that when you are a problem solver, you will get paid because people like problems being solved.

  • I'm a problem solver and I have a heart of gold.

  • Students not only believe that they are better problem solvers, but their frustration level decreases.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Children are natural problem solvers no matter what their gender or ethnicity.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Washington looks forward to China's assuming a major role as a real problem solver in the region.

    Academic text (2007)
  • "Their plan focuses on producing creative problem solvers, being relevant to our students, and using their time wisely."

    Academic text (2011)
  • Pre-service teachers become analytical problem solvers by facing and addressing problems within an applied context.

    Academic text (2011)
  • "Another child's mother described her son's self-determined spirit by saying, "He's a great problem solver."

    Academic text (2015)

Synonyms

fixer
vsproblem solver
24 6.1

A person who secretly uses connections to solve others' problems, sometimes illegally

relies on open analysis and synthesis for complex challenges, not private influence
solver
vsproblem solver
20 3.9

A person who finds answers to problems by thinking carefully, like puzzles or math questions

handles difficult complex challenges that need analysis and synthesis
troubleshooter
vsproblem solver
  • Specialized
3 4.1

A person who finds and fixes problems in machines, systems, or organizations

tackles broader complex challenges requiring synthesis beyond technical repair

Antonyms

troublemaker
  • Offensive
69 4.1

A person who causes problems for other people on purpose

How Effective

authority
889 3.1
resolver
1 5.1
troubleshooter
  • Specialized
3 4.1
problem solver
12 3.1
assistant
833 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

problem + solver

The compound 'problem solver' directly combines 'problem' (a difficulty) with 'solver' (one who resolves), so the overall meaning 'a person who finds solutions to problems' is transparently derivable from the constituents. This agentive compounding pattern is regular in English and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily understand the phrase.

Etymology

Problem solver comes from the simple image of a person who takes a problem and, like someone untangling a knot or fixing a broken machine, acts as a solver to 'solve' it. So, it means 'a person who finds solutions to difficult problems'.