What does "problem" mean?

1. (a difficulty) a situation, person, or thing that is difficult to deal with or needs to be fixed. 2. (a school exercise) a question that you must solve using math or logic. 3. (an objection) a reason to disagree or a feeling of not liking something. 4. (climbing route) a specific path or set of moves you must use to climb a rock. 5. (causing trouble) causing a lot of trouble or being difficult to control.

How do you use "problem"?

Often used in the phrase 'have a problem with' something or someone.

Is it correct to say "I have a problem for my car."?

No — say "I have a problem with my car.". Use the preposition 'with' to describe the thing that is not working correctly.

problem

n. · adj.

US //ˈpɹɑbɫəm// UK //pɹˈɒbləm// prob·lem

1 a difficulty (n.)
A1 Beginner

a situation, person, or thing that is difficult to deal with or needs to be fixed.

a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

Example

We are having a problem with the internet connection today.

Example

The technical team worked through the night to identify the root cause of the systemic problem affecting the database.
- solution
- benefit
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.
2 a school exercise (n.)
A2 Elementary Math

a question that you must solve using math or logic.

an inquiry starting from given conditions to investigate or demonstrate a fact, result, or law.

Example

The teacher asked us to solve the first three math problems on page ten.

Example

The final exam consisted of five complex calculus problems that required a deep understanding of integration.

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3 an objection (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

a reason to disagree or a feeling of not liking something.

a ground for objection or a difficulty in accepting a particular idea or situation.

Example

I don't have a problem with you staying late if you need to.

Example

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.
- agreement
4 climbing route (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Sport

a specific path or set of moves you must use to climb a rock.

a specific sequence of moves required to complete a boulder climb.

Example

It took him three tries to figure out the boulder problem.

Example

The climber spent the entire afternoon rehearsing the crux of the problem before finally reaching the top.
- route
- sequence
5 causing trouble (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

causing a lot of trouble or being difficult to control.

causing problems or difficulties; often used to describe a person or animal with behavioural issues.

Example

The city is trying to fix the problem areas where many accidents happen.

Example

The school implemented a new support programme specifically designed for problem students who were at risk of exclusion.
- well behaved

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.

Idioms3 entries