Word
solution
Phoneticsso·lu·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/səˈɫuʃən/
UK/səlˈuːʃən/
Definitions
01solving a problem
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a way of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.
n. a means of resolving a problem or addressing a challenging situation.
“The government is looking for a long-term solution to the housing crisis.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02answer to a puzzle or math
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Mathematics
n. the correct answer to a puzzle, test, or mathematical question.
n. the result or explanation that answers a specific question, puzzle, or mathematical equation.
“I checked the back of the book to see the solution to the crossword.”
“The professor demonstrated that the solution to the differential equation required a sophisticated understanding of calculus.”
03liquid mixture
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Science
n. a liquid in which something else has been dissolved.
n. a homogeneous mixture composed of two or more substances, typically a solute dissolved in a solvent.
“You should clean the wound with a mild salt solution.”
“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'.
04business product
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing Academic
n. a product or service sold to a company to help them do business.
n. a specific product, service, or integrated suite of software designed to meet a business requirement.
“Our company provides software solutions for small businesses.”
“The consultant proposed an end-to-end digital solution to streamline the firm's accounting and payroll processes.”
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in corporate marketing and IT, often used as a more impressive word for 'product'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “solution” in context.
Real-World Examples
“On Wednesday, the DeepMind team at Google published a research paper offering a potential solution: protein watermarking.” Etymology
From Middle English solucioun, from Old French solucion (French solution), from Latin solūtiōnem, accusative singular of solūtiō, from the verb solvō. Compare solve, -tion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/solution