word problem

noun

: a mathematical problem expressed entirely in words typically used as an educational tool

Examples of word problem in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How Storytelling Can Help When Talking Tech & Science In STEM careers, the job interview is a word problem. Chris Westfall, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 Google’s version can help with physics and math word problems that students are viewing on their device screens, explaining along the way how to solve them (and not just giving the answers). Bob O’Donnell, USA TODAY, 17 May 2024 The chatbots failed to add numbers correctly, much less solve more complicated word problems. Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 16 Dec. 2024 There are also word problems, which Lily was not expecting. Allegra Goodman, The New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for word problem 

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of word problem was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near word problem

Cite this Entry

“Word problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/word%20problem. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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