1
a
: a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution
b
: a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something to be done
2
a
: an intricate unsettled question
b
: a source of perplexity, distress, or vexation
c
: difficulty in understanding or accepting
I have a problem with your saying that
1
: dealing with a problem of conduct or social relationship
a problem play
2
: difficult to deal with
a problem child
Examples of problem in a Sentence
Noun
Racism and sexism are major social problems.
The company is having financial problems.
He has chronic health problems.
The mechanic fixed the problem with the car.
There are a few problems with your argument.
We have to find a way to solve this problem.
She is bothered by family problems.
We didn't have any problems getting here.
I have my own problems to deal with.
Mosquitoes are a problem in the summer.
Recent Examples on the Web
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
The markets and materials that these countries possess will only become more central to solving problems that the incoming president expresses great interest in addressing, such as bolstering U.S. supply chains and securing critical minerals.
—Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023
But for most of us, video might simply be the latest non-solution to a non-problem.
—Amanda McLoughlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for problem 
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Noun
There’s also a problem on the booze level with Christiaan, who makes his cake with a Dutch confection called advocaat.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 15 Nov. 2024
The markets and materials that these countries possess will only become more central to solving problems that the incoming president expresses great interest in addressing, such as bolstering U.S. supply chains and securing critical minerals.
—Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The obvious solution to a non-problem MLB felt the need to address is to have the player on deck retrieve the bat at the plate and toss it toward the dugout.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 26 Mar. 2023
But for most of us, video might simply be the latest non-solution to a non-problem.
—Amanda McLoughlin, Rolling Stone, 13 Oct. 2022
See all Example Sentences for problem
Articles Related to problem
Dictionary Entries Near problem
Cite this Entry
“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
problem
1 of 2 noun
prob·lem
ˈpräb-ləm 
1
: something to be worked out or solved
a problem in arithmetic
2
a
: something that is hard to understand, deal with, or correct
social problems
have a problem with the car
b
: something that causes one trouble or irritation
of course the mosquitoes are a problem
c
: difficulty in understanding or accepting
I have a problem with your attitude
problem
2 of 2 adjective1
: dealing with a problem of human conduct or social justice
a problem play
2
: difficult to deal with
a problem child
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