problem

- 4 dictionary results

–noun

any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.

a question proposed for solution or discussion.

Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.

–adjective

difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.

Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large: a problem play.

—Idiom

no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude).

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Origin:
1350–1400; ME probleme < L problēma < Gk próblēma orig., obstacle, (akin to probállein to throw or lay before), equiv. to pro- pro-² + -blē-, var. s. of bállein to throw (cf. parabola) + -ma n. suffix of result

—Related forms

sub·prob·lem, noun

—Synonyms
1, 2. puzzle, riddle, enigma.

—Antonyms
1. certitude.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
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World English Dictionary

problem (ˈprɒbləm)

—n
1.	a. any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
	b. (as modifier): a problem child
2.	a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
3.	maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
4.	(modifier) designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questions: a problem play

[C14: from Late Latin problēma, from Greek: something put forward; related to proballein to throw forwards, from pro-² + ballein to throw]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Word Origin & History

problem

1382, "a difficult question proposed for solution," from O.Fr. problème (14c.), from L. problema, from Gk. problema "a problem, a question," lit. "thing put forward," from proballein "propose," from pro "forward" + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics). Problem child first recorded 1920.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Idioms & Phrases

problem

see no problem.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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