# problem child

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/problem-child
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Someone or something persistently difficult or vexing; a frequent source of trouble or annoyance.

## Examples

- That old printer is the problem child of the office.
- The new software update has been a real problem child for the IT department this week.
- Despite several attempts at repair, the vintage engine remained the problem child of the collection, constantly failing at the most inconvenient moments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.