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problem

n. countable
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈpɹɑbɫəm// UK //pɹˈɒbləm// prob·lem General-service

n. something that is difficult to deal with or understand. You need to find a solution or an answer to fix it.

n. a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. Often used to describe a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution.


SIMPLE

I have a small problem with my computer.

CONTEXTUAL

The main problem for the city is the lack of affordable housing for young families.

COMPLEX

While the immediate technical problem was resolved, the underlying structural issues within the organization continued to hinder long-term progress.

Synonyms
Origin

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.

Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'solve', 'fix', or 'address'.

Pitfall

I have a problem about my carI have a problem with my carWhen describing the source of a difficulty, the noun 'problem' typically takes the preposition 'with' rather than 'about'.

Idioms3 entries

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