Definitions for problem
ˈprɒb ləmprob·lem

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:3.3 / 4 votes

1. problem, jobnoun

   a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

   "she and her husband are having problems"; "it is always a job to contact him"; "urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog"

2. problemnoun

   a question raised for consideration or solution

   "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve"

3. trouble, problemnoun

   a source of difficulty

   "one trouble after another delayed the job"; "what's the problem?"

WiktionaryRate this definition:3.3 / 3 votes

1. problemnoun

   A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.

2. problemnoun

   A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.

3. problemnoun

   A puzzling circumstance.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. PROBLEMnoun

   A question proposed.

   Etymology: probleme, Fr. πϱόβλημα.

   The problem is, whether a man constantly and strongly believing, that such a thing shall be, it doth help any thing to the effecting of the thing. Francis Bacon, Nat. Hist.

   Although in general one understood colours, yet were it not an easy problem to resolve, why grass is green? Brown.

   This problem let philosophers resolve,
   What makes the globe from West to East revolve. Richard Blackmore.

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Problem

   Problem solving is the process of achieving a goal by overcoming obstacles, a frequent part of most activities. Problems in need of solutions range from simple personal tasks (e.g. how to turn on an appliance) to complex issues in business and technical fields. The former is an example of simple problem solving (SPS) addressing one issue, whereas the latter is complex problem solving (CPS) with multiple interrelated obstacles. Another classification is into well-defined problems with specific obstacles and goals, and ill-defined problems in which the current situation is troublesome but it is not clear what kind of resolution to aim for. Similarly, one may distinguish formal or fact-based problems requiring psychometric intelligence, versus socio-emotional problems which depend on the changeable emotions of individuals or groups, such as tactful behavior, fashion, or gift choices.Solutions require sufficient resources and knowledge to attain the goal. Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and consultants are largely problem solvers for issues which require technical skills and knowledge beyond general competence. Many businesses have found profitable markets by recognizing a problem and creating a solution: the more widespread and inconvenient the problem, the greater the opportunity to develop a scalable solution. There are many specialized problem-solving techniques and methods in fields such as engineering, business, medicine, mathematics, computer science, philosophy, and social organization. The mental techniques to identify, analyze, and solve problems are studied in psychology and cognitive sciences. Additionally, the mental obstacles preventing people from finding solutions is a widely researched topic: problem solving impediments include confirmation bias, mental set, and functional fixedness.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. problem

   A problem can be defined as a situation or an issue that needs to be resolved or dealt with. It typically involves a discrepancy between the current state or desired situation and the actual state or existing situation. Problems may vary in complexity and can arise in various areas of life, such as personal, professional, social, or academic. They often require analysis, decision-making, and the application of logical and creative thinking to find viable solutions or alternatives. Overall, a problem represents a challenge or obstacle that requires attention and effort to overcome.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:3.8 / 4 votes

1. Problemnoun

   a question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt

2. Problemnoun

   anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity

3. Etymology: [F. problme, L. problema, fr. Gr. anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. to throw or lay before; before, forward + to throw. Cf. Parable. ]

WikidataRate this definition:3.7 / 6 votes

1. Problem

   A problem is the relation between human will and reality. When will and reality do not coincide, the resolution of this gap between reality and will is the solution of the problem. A problem implies a desired outcome coupled with an apparent deficiency, doubt or inconsistency that prevents the outcome from taking place.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:3.0 / 1 vote

1. Problem

   prob′lem, n. a matter difficult of settlement or solution: (geom.) a proposition in which something is required to be done.—adjs. Problemat′ic, -al, of the nature of a problem: questionable: doubtful.—adv. Problemat′ically.—v.i. Prob′lematise. [Fr.,—L.,—Gr. problēma—pro, before, ballein, to throw.]

Suggested ResourcesRate this definition:4.0 / 1 vote

1. problem

   Quotes by problem -- Explore a large variety of famous quotes made by problem on the Quotes.net website.

2. problem

   Song lyrics by problem -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by problem on the Lyrics.com website.

Matched Categories

1. • Difficulty
   • Question

British National Corpus

1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'problem' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #310

2. Written Corpus Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'problem' in Written Corpus Frequency: #298

3. Nouns Frequency

   Rank popularity for the word 'problem' in Nouns Frequency: #23

Usage in printed sourcesFrom: 

1. 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How to pronounce problem?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say problem in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of problem in Chaldean Numerology is: 4

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of problem in Pythagorean Numerology is: 9

Examples of problem in a Sentence

1. Nicols Maduro:

   The lack of confidence is a problem on both sides, which is why they should think together on some innovative ways to create reassurances in this process, to simply reject the possibility of dialogue and repeat that the only way forward is the end of usurpation as the opposition says, wont lead anywhere.

2. Former Miss Alabama Katherine Webb:

   I think I was maybe posing in a way that made it seem like I was more thin than I really am, i do suffer from a thyroid problem and so that has been an issue for me, my weight can fluctuate.

3. Paul Ryan:

   The problem is they talk to people in segments, here’s our LGBT community. Here’s our labor guy. That doesn’t work. You stop becoming a national party.

4. Merrick Garland:

   We are, of course, under no illusions that our expressions of concern and assignment of law enforcement resources has solved this problem.

5. Guy Trudel:

   Thankfully, having fewer red blood cells in space isn't a problem when your body is weightless, but when landing on Earth and potentially on other planets or moons, anemia affecting your energy, endurance and strength can threaten mission objectives. The effects of anemia are only felt once you land, and must deal with gravity again.

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=problem
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Problem
3. ^ Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
   https://johnsonsdictionaryonline.com/views/search.php?term=problem
4. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem
5. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
6. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem
7. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=problem
8. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=problem
9. ^ Usage in printed sources
   https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=problem