Problem: meaning, definitions and examples

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problem

 

[ ˈprɒbləm ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

Synonyms

challenge, complication, difficulty, issue

Examples of usage

  • The region's financial problems
  • The problem of obesity in children is increasing
  • She has problems with her computer
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

Synonyms

bug, error, glitch

Examples of usage

  • The program encountered a problem and crashed
Context #3 | Verb

to have difficulty

Have difficulty with something.

Synonyms

encounter difficulties, have difficulty, struggle

Examples of usage

  • I'm having problems with my new computer
  • She's always had a problem with authority

Translations

Translations of the word "problem" in other languages:

🇵🇹 problema

🇮🇳 समस्या (samasya)

🇩🇪 Problem

🇮🇩 masalah

🇺🇦 проблема

🇵🇱 problem

🇯🇵 問題 (mondai)

🇫🇷 problème

🇪🇸 problema

🇹🇷 sorun

🇰🇷 문제 (munje)

🇸🇦 مشكلة (mushkila)

🇨🇿 problém

🇸🇰 problém

🇨🇳 问题 (wèntí)

🇸🇮 problem

🇮🇸 vandamál

🇰🇿 мәселе (mәsele)

🇬🇪 პრობლემა (problema)

🇦🇿 problem

🇲🇽 problema

Etymology

The word 'problem' originated from the Latin word 'problema', which in turn comes from the Greek word 'problema' meaning 'something thrown forth'. The concept of a problem has been central to human existence, driving progress and innovation through the need to overcome challenges and obstacles.

See also: problematic, problems.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #296, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.