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REFERENCE

problematic

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˌpɹɑbɫəˈmætɪk// UK //pɹˌɒbəlmˈætɪk// prob·lem·at·ic Archaic

adj. causing problems or making you feel that something is not quite right. You use it to describe an idea or situation that is difficult to support because it is unfair or wrong.

adj. constituting or presenting a problem or difficulty; open to doubt or debate. In academic and sociological contexts, it describes concepts or behaviors that reinforce social biases or systemic inequalities.


SIMPLE

The new law is problematic for small business owners.

CONTEXTUAL

Critics argued that the film's portrayal of historical events was deeply problematic and ignored the perspectives of local people.

COMPLEX

While the initial theory provided a useful framework, its reliance on outdated demographic data makes its current application highly problematic for modern researchers.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Middle French problématique, from Late Latin problematicus, from Ancient Greek προβληματικός (problēmatikós), from πρόβλημα (próblēma, “outjutting, barrier, problem”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “I throw, place before”), from πρό (pró, “before”) + βάλλω (bállō, “I throw, place”). By surface analysis, problem + -atic.

Usage

Often used as a predicative adjective following a linking verb like 'be' or 'become'.

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