noun
problem
PROB-luhm
noun
1
A difficult situation or matter that needs to be solved or dealt with.
"We ran into a problem halfway through the project."
"Traffic is a huge problem in this city."
2
A question or exercise, especially in math or schoolwork, that requires a solution.
"She solved the last problem on the exam in under a minute."
adj
1
Causing difficulty or trouble; hard to manage.
"He was labeled a problem employee after several complaints."
How to Use Problem
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething difficult that needs solving or dealing with.
Common pairings
solve a problem
no problem
problem child
face a problem
Word Forms
more problem comparative, problems plural, most problem superlative
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We ran into a _____ halfway through the project.
Etymology
From Greek problema, "something thrown forward" or "an obstacle," from proballo, "to put forward" — the same idea as something being placed in your path.