I. ˈpräbləm sometimes -ˌblem or -_blim; in rapid speech often -b ə m or with syllabic 1 & syllabic m simultaneously articulated noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English probleme, from Middle French, from Latin problema, from Greek problēma projection, protecting wall, excuse, problem, from proballein to throw forward, put forward, from pro- pro- (I) + ballein to throw — more at devil
1. obsolete : a formal public disputation based on a question proposed for academic discussion
2.
a. : a question raised or to be raised for inquiry, consideration, discussion, decision, or solution
mentioned the problems that the speakers would discuss
b. : a proposition in mathematics or physics stating something that is to be done
problem : to bisect a line
c. : a constructed position in the game of chess in which a specified result (as a checkmate) is to be accomplished in a specified number of moves
3.
a. : an unsettled matter demanding solution or decision and requiring usually considerable thought or skill for its proper solution or decision : an issue marked by usually considerable difficulty, uncertainty, or doubt with regard to its proper settlement : a perplexing or puzzling question
problems of history — Lewis Mumford
what to do now is a problem
social problems
what happened to them remained a problem
b. : something that is a source of usually considerable difficulty, perplexity, or worry : something that presents a perplexing or vexing situation
there are no more serious problems than these immature people — P.B.Gilliam
Synonyms: see mystery
II. adjective
1. : that treats of or is centered about a problem of human conduct or social relationship
a problem novel
2. : that presents a problem : that is very difficult to deal with : problematic
a problem neighborhood
a good many problem children who were too tough for the other schools in town — Green Peyton
problem behavior