# problem

/ˈpɹɑbɫəm/ (US) · /pɹˈɒbləm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/problem
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a difficulty

noun · CEFR A1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a school exercise

noun · CEFR A2

a question that you must solve using math or logic.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. an objection

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. climbing route

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. causing trouble

adjective · CEFR B2

causing a lot of trouble or being difficult to control.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I have a small problem with my computer.
- The main problem for the city is the lack of affordable housing for young families.
- While the immediate technical problem was resolved, the underlying structural issues within the organization continued to hinder long-term progress.

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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.