Etimology
From Middle English probleme, from Middle French probleme, from Latin problema, from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (próblēma, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward”), from προ- (pro-, “in front of”) + βάλλω (bállō, “to throw, to cast, to hurl”).
noun
problem (plural problems)
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
A puzzling circumstance.
Objection.
Difficulty in accepting or understanding or refusal to accept or understand.
(climbing) A set of moves required to complete a climb.
Examples
She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
“ […] it is not fair of you to bring against mankind double weapons ! Dangerous enough you are as woman alone, without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves.”
The perfume industry is facing a major problem: maintaining constant levels of quality is crucial, but it is increasingly difficult to obtain a regular supply of all the necessary natural ingredients.
Study hard, but don't overdo it. The problems in the exam won't be difficult to solve.
You got a problem with that?
You made your best honest effort; if they judge you harshly, that’s their problem, not yours.
Related words
antonyms
solution
hyponyms
Entscheidungsproblem
adjective
problem (comparative more problem, superlative most problem)
(of a person or an animal) Difficult to train or guide; unruly.
Causing a problem; problematic; troublesome.
Examples
It is more problem to my family than to me.