Problem — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /ˈprä-bləm/ prob·lem

Meaning & Definition of Problem

Problem (noun)

  1. a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution
  2. a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done
  3. an intricate unsettled question

Problem (adjective)

  1. dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship
  2. difficult to deal with

Problem (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that requires thought and skill for resolution

    "the problem of world hunger"

    similar: case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble
    related: issue, question, corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot, crux, Gordian knot, sticky wicket, toughie, catch-22, dilemma, quandary, catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag, conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, brainteaser, poser, stumper
    opposite: answer, solution
    near: magic bullet, silver bullet, cure-all, panacea

  2. an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge

    "there were only 10 problems on the exam, but they were all challenging"

    similar: interrogative, question
    related: brainteaser, conundrum, poser, puzzle, quiz, riddle, stickler, stumper, toughie
    near: answer, response, solution

Problem (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in troublesome, stubborn

    similar: scabrous, stubborn, troublesome, troublous, vexatious, vexing, worrisome, abstract, abstruse, complex, complicated, hard, intricate, involved, recondite, serious, burdensome, demanding, discommoding, exacting, exhausting, importunate, inconvenient, onerous, oppressive, painful, stressful, catchy, delicate, difficult, dodgy (chiefly British), hairy, knotty, nasty, prickly, problematic, sensitive, spiny, sticky, thorny, ticklish, touchy, tough, tricksy, tricky
    opposite: easy, effortless, manageable, painless, simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, undemanding, unproblematic

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Problem

The most common words with a similar meaning to Problem:

Chiefly British: dodgy
case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble, interrogative, question, scabrous, stubborn, troublesome, troublous, vexatious, vexing, worrisome, abstract, abstruse, complex, complicated, hard, intricate, involved, recondite, serious, burdensome, demanding, discommoding, exacting, exhausting, importunate, inconvenient, onerous, oppressive, painful, stressful, catchy, delicate, difficult, hairy, knotty

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Problem

Words with the opposite meaning of Problem:

answer, solution, easy, effortless, manageable, painless, simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, undemanding, unproblematic

Related Words for Problem

issue, corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot, crux, Gordian knot, sticky wicket, toughie, catch-22, dilemma, quandary, catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag, conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle, brainteaser

Near Antonyms of Problem

magic bullet, silver bullet, cure-all, panacea, response

Origin & Etymology of Problem

Middle English probleme, from Latin problema, from Greek problēma, literally, obstacle, from proballein to throw forward, from pro- forward + ballein to throw pro-, devil

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Problem

Words & Phrases Containing Problem

problem solver, problem-solving, first world problem, word problem, attitude problem, drinking problem, drink problem, have a problem with

Frequently Asked Questions about Problem

What does "Problem" mean?

"Problem" means a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Problem"?

Other words for "Problem" include case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble, interrogative and question. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Problem" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Problem"?

There are 87 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Problem". Common alternatives include case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble, interrogative, question, scabrous and stubborn.

What is the opposite of "Problem"?

Antonyms of "Problem" include answer, solution, easy, effortless, manageable, painless, simple and straightforward. Near antonyms include magic bullet, silver bullet, cure-all and panacea.

How do you use "Problem" in a sentence?

Examples of "Problem" in a sentence: "the problem of world hunger"; "there were only 10 problems on the exam, but they were all challenging".

Is "Problem" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Problem" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Problem" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Problem" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Problem"?

"Problem" is pronounced /ˈprä-bləm/ and divided into syllables as prob·lem.