problem Synonyms & Antonyms
Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.
Problem as a Noun
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
An addiction, other substance use disorder, or comparable psychological challenge.
I think he has a gambling problem. Lending him money will probably only make it worse.
A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
Study hard, but don't overdo it. The problems in the exam won't be difficult to solve.
A puzzling circumstance.
Objection.
You got a problem with that?
Difficulty in accepting or understanding or refusal to accept or understand.
You made your best honest effort; if they judge you harshly, that’s their problem, not yours.
Problem as an Adjective
Of a person or an animal, difficult to train or guide; unruly.
Causing a problem; problematic; troublesome.
Problem as a Verb
To problematize.
Problem in a Sentence
She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
I think he has a gambling problem. Lending him money will probably only make it worse.
I think he has a nose candy problem. Lending him money will probably only make it worse.
Study hard, but don't overdo it. The problems in the exam won't be difficult to solve.
You got a problem with that?
You made your best honest effort; if they judge you harshly, that’s their problem, not yours.
Word Forms & Grammar
problem (plural problems)
problem (comparative more problem, superlative most problem)
problem (third-person singular simple present problems, present participle probleming, simple past and past participle problemed)
Origin of Problem
From Middle English probleme, from Middle French probleme, from Latin problēma, from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (próblēma, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward”), from προ- (pro-, “in front of”) + βάλλω (bállō, “to throw, to cast, to hurl”). Doublet of problema.
Problem: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, adjective, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈpɹɒbləm// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Meaning | A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with |
| Antonyms | solution |
| Plural | problems |
| Comparative / superlative | more problem, most problem |
| Verb forms | problems, probleming, problemed |
How to Pronounce Problem
You say problem as //ˈpɹɒbləm//. It has 1 syllable.
Common Questions About Problem
Is problem a noun or an adjective?
Problem is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective and a verb.
What is the opposite of problem?
The opposite of problem is solution.
What is the plural of problem?
The plural of problem is problems.
What is the past tense of problem?
The past tense of problem is problemed. The present participle is probleming.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of problem?
The comparative form is more problem and the superlative form is most problem.