problem

PRAH-bluhm/ˈpɹɑbləm/UKPROB-luhm/ˈpɹɒbləm/

6 meanings of problem

1
nouncountable
Something that causes difficulty or harm and needs to be dealt with.
Like a knot in a rope that you have to untie before you can keep going.
We had a problem with the car, so we called for help.
Fixing this problem will take us all afternoon.
UsageSay have a problem doing something. You solve a problem.
Similardifficulty, issue, trouble, complication, snag
2
school exercisenouncountable
A question or exercise you have to work out, often in school.
Like a puzzle you have to work out step by step.
The teacher wrote a math problem on the board.
I could not solve the last problem on the test.
UsageYou solve a math problem.
Similarquestion, exercise, sum
Note
3
nouncountable
A reason you don't like, agree with, or accept something, as in 'I have a problem with that.'
My only problem with the trip is the cost.
The boss raised a problem with the new schedule.
UsageSay a problem with something: I have no problem with the plan.
Similarobjection, issue, difficulty, reservation

Less common meanings

4
adjective
Causing trouble or hard to control, as in 'a problem child' or 'problem loans.'
Her problem knee hurts every time it rains.
The plumber finally fixed the problem faucet that dripped all winter.
UsageUsed before a noun: a problem child.
Similartroublesome, problematic, difficult
5
mysterynouncountable
A strange situation that is hard to understand or explain.
How the huge stones got there is a problem nobody has solved.
Why we dream is a problem that has puzzled people for centuries.
Similarpuzzle, mystery, enigma, riddle, conundrum
6
noun
In climbing, the set of moves you must do to get up a short, hard route.

Practice

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Origin

From Greek próblēma, meaning something thrown forward or an obstacle. It came into English through Latin and French.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

The word ultimately derives from Greek próblēma. en.wiktionary.org
Greek próblēma meant something thrown forward. en.wiktionary.org
Greek próblēma also meant an obstacle. en.wiktionary.org
The word entered English through Latin and French. en.wiktionary.org