problem
pronunciation
How to pronounce problem in British English:
UK [ˈprɒbləm]
How to pronounce problem in American English:
US [ˈprɑːbləm]
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- Noun:
- a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
- a source of difficulty
- a question raised for consideration or solution
Word Origin
- problem
- problem: [14] A problem is etymologically something ‘thrown forward’. The word comes via Old French probleme and Latin problēma from Greek próblēma, a derivative of probállein ‘throw forward’. This was a compound verb formed from the prefix pro- ‘forward’ and bállein ‘throw’ (source of English ballistic, emblem, parable, etc). Things that are ‘thrown out’ project and can get in the way and hinder one, and so próblēma came to be used for an ‘obstacle’ or ‘problem’ – senses carried through into English problem.=> ballistic, emblem, parable, symbol
- problem (n.)
- late 14c., "a difficult question proposed for solution," from Old French problème (14c.) and directly from Latin problema, from Greek problema "a task, that which is proposed, a question;" also "anything projecting, headland, promontory; fence, barrier;" also "a problem in geometry," literally "thing put forward," from proballein "propose," from pro "forward" (see pro-) + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics). Meaning "a difficulty" is mid-15c. Mathematical sense is from 1560s in English. Problem child first recorded 1920. Phrase _______ problem in reference to a persistent and seemingly insoluble difficulty is attested at least from 1882, in Jewish problem. Response no problem "that is acceptable; that can be done without difficulty" is recorded from 1968.
Antonym
Example
- 1. Security is a problem too .
- 2. Credit is also a problem .
- 3. But the long-term problem remains .
- 4. Corruption also is a problem .
- 5. But the fundamental problem persists .