problem
- 01 A1 Beginner
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.
Simple“We are having a problem with the internet connection today.”
In context“The technical team worked through the night to identify the root cause of the systemic problem affecting the database.”
PitfallI 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 - 02 A2 Elementary
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.
Simple“The teacher asked us to solve the first three math problems on page ten.”
In context“The final exam consisted of five complex calculus problems that required a deep understanding of integration.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“I don't have a problem with you staying late if you need to.”
In context“The board members clearly had a problem with the proposed budget cuts, though they were hesitant to voice their concerns openly.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'have a problem with' something or someone.
- 04 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“It took him three tries to figure out the boulder problem.”
In context“The climber spent the entire afternoon rehearsing the crux of the problem before finally reaching the top.”
- 05 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.
Simple“The city is trying to fix the problem areas where many accidents happen.”
In context“The school implemented a new support programme specifically designed for problem students who were at risk of exclusion.”
SynonymsAntonymswell behaved
problem vs question — A problem is a situation that needs fixing, while a question is a request for information that needs an answer.
Usage problems using · additional problem · address problem
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.