problems

prob-lems · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of problem; matters or situations regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.

  2. 2.

    Questions or tasks designed to test skill or knowledge, especially in mathematics.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    no problems — used to indicate that something is acceptable or easy to handle
  • •
    teething problems — initial difficulties with a new system or process
  • •
    first-world problems — trivial inconveniences experienced by those in wealthy nations

Related words

Antonyms: answers, solutions
See also: challenge, difficulty, issue, problem
Synonyms: challenges, difficulties, issues, troubles

Etymology

From Greek problema ("a task, that which is thrown forward"), from proballein ("to throw forward"), from pro- ("before") + ballein ("to throw"). Entered English via Latin and Old French.