ENGLISH
REFERENCE

solution

n.
US //səˈɫuʃən// UK //səlˈuːʃən// so·lu·tion
  1. 1 solving a problem (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

    a means of resolving a problem or addressing a challenging situation.

    Example

    The government is looking for a long-term solution to the housing crisis.

    Example

    The management team spent weeks debating a viable solution to the supply chain disruptions that had plagued the company all quarter.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by the preposition 'to'.
    Pitfall
    The solution of the problem was simple.
    The solution to the problem was simple.

    Use the preposition 'to' after solution when referring to a problem or puzzle.

  2. 2 answer to a puzzle or math (n.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    the correct answer to a puzzle, test, or mathematical question.

    the result or explanation that answers a specific question, puzzle, or mathematical equation.

    Example

    I checked the back of the book to see the solution to the crossword.

    Example

    The professor demonstrated that the solution to the differential equation required a sophisticated understanding of calculus.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 liquid mixture (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Science

    a liquid in which something else has been dissolved.

    a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, typically a solute dissolved in a solvent.

    Example

    You should clean the wound with a mild salt solution.

    Example

    The chemist prepared a saturated solution of copper sulfate to observe the growth of crystals over several days.

    Usage

    Often used with adjectives like 'dilute', 'concentrated', or 'aqueous'.
  2. 4 business product (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Computing

    a product or service sold to a company to help them do business.

    a specific product, service, or integrated suite of software designed to meet a business requirement.

    Example

    Our company provides software solutions for small businesses.

    Example

    The consultant proposed an end-to-end digital solution to streamline the firm's accounting and payroll processes.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very common in corporate marketing and IT, often used as a more impressive word for 'product'.
Origin

From Middle English solucioun, from Old French solucion (French solution), from Latin solūtiōnem, accusative singular of solūtiō, from the verb solvō. Compare solve, -tion.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference