Word
problem
Phoneticsprob·lem, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɑbɫəm/
UK/pɹˈɒbləm/
Definitions
01a difficulty
A1 · Beginner Countable noun
n. a situation, person, or thing that is difficult to deal with or needs to be fixed.
n. a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
“We are having a problem with the internet connection today.”
“The technical team worked through the night to identify the root cause of the systemic problem affecting the database.”
Pitfall
I have a problem for my car.
I have a problem with my car.
Use the preposition 'with' to describe the thing that is not working correctly.
Synonyms
02a school exercise
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Mathematics
n. a question that you must solve using math or logic.
n. an inquiry starting from given conditions to investigate or demonstrate a fact, result, or law.
“The teacher asked us to solve the first three math problems on page ten.”
“The final exam consisted of five complex calculus problems that required a deep understanding of integration.”
03an objection
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a reason to disagree or a feeling of not liking something.
n. a ground for objection or a difficulty in accepting a particular idea or situation.
“I don't have a problem with you staying late if you need to.”
“The board members clearly had a problem with the proposed budget cuts, though they were hesitant to voice their concerns openly.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'have a problem with' something or someone.
Antonyms
04climbing route
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Technical
n. a specific path or set of moves you must use to climb a rock.
n. a specific sequence of moves required to complete a boulder climb.
“It took him three tries to figure out the boulder problem.”
“The climber spent the entire afternoon rehearsing the crux of the problem before finally reaching the top.”
05causing trouble
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. causing a lot of trouble or being difficult to control.
adj. causing problems or difficulties; often used to describe a person or animal with behavioural issues.
“The city is trying to fix the problem areas where many accidents happen.”
“The school implemented a new support programme specifically designed for problem students who were at risk of exclusion.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “problem” in context.
Confusables
A problem is a situation that needs fixing, while a question is a request for information that needs an answer.
RememberProblems need solutions; questions need answers.
Etymology
From Middle English probleme, from Middle French probleme, from Latin problēma, 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”). Doublet of problema.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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