problem
1 of 2noun
problem
2 of 2adjective
Synonyms
Noun
- case
- challenge
- knot
- matter
- nut
- trouble
Example Sentences
Stacy Bratcher, STAT, 16 Sep. 2022 According to the results, 39% of respondents said homelessness is the city’s top problem, and more than 70% chose it as among the top three problems in the city. Kellie Hwang, San Francisco Chronicle, 15 Sep. 2022 But London is hardly the only problem facing the Rams, who had three extra days to contemplate the disappointment of their season-opening blowout loss to Buffalo on the NFL's opening night. Greg Beacham, ajc, 15 Sep. 2022 If Walmart has enough workers on the coasts but not enough in the middle of the country, that problem is contained to the middle of the country. Time, 15 Sep. 2022 The companies denied responsibility for the problem, saying the elevators had been installed improperly. Todd C. Frankel, Washington Post, 15 Sep. 2022 VandeHei, Allen, and Schwartz have given us a book that, like weight loss books, presents an age-old problem as though no one’s ever thought to confront it before, then offers a series of clichéd solutions as some sort of novel life hack. Colin Dickey, The New Republic, 15 Sep. 2022 Instead, the advent of commercial cannabis unleashed a wave of corruption, prosecutions and accusations that has rocked local governments across the state and left them with few effective tools to combat the problem. Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2022 The Tennessee transfer hasn’t had a problem adjusting to his new team and has totaled 164 yards on 32 touches in his first two games as a Cardinal. Alexis Cubit, The Courier-Journal, 15 Sep. 2022 Rich Lowry, National Review, 9 Mar. 2021 The staff is trained to address residents who show confused or problem behavior. San Diego Elder Law Center, sandiegouniontribune.com, 24 Apr. 2018 Many people might be surprised to learn that undocumented immigrants are not typically problem children. Ellen Mcgirt, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2017 Problem officers make things difficult for good ones, said Jim Pasco, executive director of the Fraternal Order of Police, America’s largest police-labor organization. Gary Fields, WSJ, 30 Dec. 2016 Tracy Chou, a young engineer at Pinterest, is tackling tech’s women problem head-on. Nathan Heller, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2014 See More Word History
Noun
Middle English probleme, from Latin problema, from Greek problēma, literally, obstacle, from proballein to throw forward, from pro- forward + ballein to throw — more at pro-, devil
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing problem
Kids Definition
problem
noun
problem 1 of 2
noun
Synonyms & Similar Words
- challenge
- issue
- matter
- trouble
- question
- case
- dilemma
- predicament
- fix
- conundrum
- quandary
- crux
- knot
- hot water
- glitch
- quagmire
- nut
- mystery
- puzzle
- riddle
- pitfall
- pickle
- jam
- enigma
- corner
- spot
- snag
- puzzlement
- mire
- hitch
- toughie
- toughy
- sticky wicket
- catch
- hole
- catch-22
- poser
- Gordian knot
- stumper
- brainteaser
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- solution
- answer
- panacea
- magic bullet
- silver bullet
- cure-all
Synonyms & Similar Words
- question
- conundrum
- interrogative
- riddle
- puzzle
- toughie
- poser
- stumper
- brainteaser
- stickler
- toughy
- quiz
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- solution
- response
- answer
problem
2 of 2adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- troublesome
- vexing
- worrisome
- complicated
- serious
- stubborn
- complex
- vexatious
- involved
- troublous
- abstract
- problematic
- intricate
- abstruse
- scabrous
- inconvenient
- recondite
- painful
- difficult
- tricky
- onerous
- hard
- demanding
- burdensome
- stressful
- oppressive
- discommoding
- exhausting
- importunate
- thorny
- exacting
- problematical
- touchy
- knotty
- tough
- sticky
- sensitive
- dodgy
- ticklish
- tricksy
- hairy
- spiny
- prickly
- catchy
- nasty
- delicate
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- simple
- easy
- unproblematic
- straightforward
- uncomplicated
- painless
- effortless
- manageable
- undemanding
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of problem are enigma, mystery, puzzle, and riddle. While all these words mean "something which baffles or perplexes," problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.
While the synonyms enigma and problem are close in meaning, enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.
Although the words mystery and problem have much in common, mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.
The words puzzle and problem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.
In some situations, the words riddle and problem are roughly equivalent. However, riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.