Problems — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈprä-bləm/ prob·lem

Meaning & Definition of Problems

Problems (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
  4. a usually minor or trivial problem or annoyance experienced by people in relatively affluent or privileged circumstances especially as contrasted with problems of greater social significance facing people in poor and underdeveloped parts of the world
  5. a mathematical problem expressed entirely in words typically used as an educational tool
  6. small problems that happen when a business, project, system, etc., is first started or used

Problems (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something that requires thought and skill for resolution

    "the problem of world hunger"

    similar: cases, challenges, knots, matters, nuts, troubles
    related: issues, questions, corners, fixes, holes, hot waters, jams, mires, pickles, predicaments, quagmires, spots, cruxes, Gordian knots, sticky wickets, toughies, catch-22's, dilemmas, quandaries, catches, glitches, hitches, pitfalls, snags, conundrums, enigmas, mysteries, puzzlements, puzzles, riddles, brainteasers, posers, stumpers
    opposite: answers, solutions
    near: magic bullets, silver bullets, cure-alls, panaceas

  2. an interrogative expression often used to test knowledge

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

    similar: interrogatives, questions
    related: brainteasers, conundrums, posers, puzzles, quizzes, riddles, sticklers, stumpers, toughies
    near: answers, responses, solutions

Related Entry: Problem (noun)

Problem is a different word from Problems. The synonyms below are for problem, not for problems.

  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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Problems

The most common words with a similar meaning to Problems:

cases, challenges, knots, matters, nuts, troubles, interrogatives, questions

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Problems

Words with the opposite meaning of Problems:

answers, solutions

Related Words for Problems

issues, corners, fixes, holes, hot waters, jams, mires, pickles, predicaments, quagmires, spots, cruxes, Gordian knots, sticky wickets, toughies, catch-22's, dilemmas, quandaries, catches, glitches, hitches, pitfalls, snags, conundrums, enigmas, mysteries, puzzlements, puzzles, riddles, brainteasers

Near Antonyms of Problems

magic bullets, silver bullets, cure-alls, panaceas, responses

Origin & Etymology of Problems

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

Words & Phrases Containing Problems

teething troubles/problems

Frequently Asked Questions about Problems

What does "Problems" mean?

"Problems" means a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. As a noun, it is defined as: a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Problems"?

Other words for "Problems" include cases, challenges, knots, matters, nuts, troubles, interrogatives and questions. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Problems" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Problems"?

There are 42 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Problems". Common alternatives include cases, challenges, knots, matters, nuts, troubles, interrogatives and questions.

What is the opposite of "Problems"?

Antonyms of "Problems" include answers and solutions. Near antonyms include magic bullets, silver bullets, cure-alls and panaceas.

How do you use "Problems" in a sentence?

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

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

"Problems" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Problems"?

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

What is the origin of the word "Problems"?

"Problems" comes from 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.