A1noun 1K

Problem

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈprɒbləm/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈprɑːbləm/"]/

Meaning of Problem

a thing that is difficult to deal with or to understand

In simple words: A difficulty or issue that needs to be solved.

Problem in a sentence

• Math can be hard, but I will solve this problem.
• We have a problem with the car; it won't start.
• She always finds a way to deal with any problem.
• I would like to discuss the problem we faced yesterday.
• There is no problem too big that we cannot solve together.

How to use Problem

Use 'problem' in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in overly casual situations when a lighter term might fit, like 'issue' or 'challenge'.

Grammar pattern

problem + object

Memory hint

Think of a person looking puzzled over a maze—every maze has a problem to solve!

Related words

Collocations with Problem

• acute
• big
• enormous
• host
• set
• be
• pose
• present (somebody with)
• arise
• come up
• crop up
• area
• spot
• behaviour/​behavior
• problem about
• problem for
• problem of
• an approach to a problem
• the crux of the problem
• the heart of the problem
• complicated
• difficult
• easy
• do
• find the answer to
• solve
• set

Synonyms for Problem

• issue
• challenge
• difficulty
• dilemma
• obstacle

Opposites of Problem

• solution
• answer
• resolution

Common mistakes with Problem

• 'Problem' is often confused with 'trouble'—these words have slightly different meanings.
• Some learners may use 'problems' incorrectly with uncountable nouns.
• Use the phrase 'to solve a problem' instead of 'to fix a problem'.

Frequently asked questions about Problem

What does Problem mean?

A difficulty or issue that needs to be solved.

What is the definition of Problem?

a thing that is difficult to deal with or to understand

How do you use Problem in a sentence?

Math can be hard, but I will solve this problem.

Can you give another example of Problem?

We have a problem with the car; it won't start.

What are synonyms for Problem?

Common alternatives include issue, challenge, difficulty, dilemma, obstacle.

What is the opposite of Problem?

Opposite meanings include solution, answer, resolution.

What words go with Problem?

It commonly pairs with acute, big, enormous, host, set, be, pose, present (somebody with), arise, come up, crop up, area, spot, behaviour/​behavior, problem about, problem for, problem of, an approach to a problem, the crux of the problem, the heart of the problem, complicated, difficult, easy, do, find the answer to, solve, set.

What are common mistakes when using Problem?

'Problem' is often confused with 'trouble'—these words have slightly different meanings. Some learners may use 'problems' incorrectly with uncountable nouns. Use the phrase 'to solve a problem' instead of 'to fix a problem'.

How do you pronounce Problem?

US: /["/ˈprɑːbləm/"]/, UK: /["/ˈprɒbləm/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Problem?

Use 'problem' in both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using in overly casual situations when a lighter term might fit, like 'issue' or 'challenge'.

What CEFR level is Problem?

"Problem" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.