problem

problem — noun

1. a difficult situation, question, or task that you must deal with or find an answ

1.nounA1
Definition

a difficult situation, question, or task that you must deal with or find an answer to.

Example

Theo called his dad because he had a problem with his car engine.

have a problem with [something]

Ife stayed up late trying to fix a problem on her computer.

Common collocations
  • big problem
  • real problem
  • main problem
  • have a problem
  • solve a problem
  • deal with a problem
  • cause a problem
Synonyms
  • issue

    slightly more formal; often used for topics that people discuss or debate

  • difficulty

    emphasises how hard something is to deal with rather than the thing itself

  • trouble

    more informal; often used for smaller, everyday problems

Antonyms
  • solution

    the answer or way to fix a problem

Grammar Patterns

problem + with + noun/-ing verb

problem + of + noun/-ing verb

Common Mistakes

I have problem with my phone.
I have a problem with my phone.
Problem is a countable noun and needs an article (a/the).
I have a problem of my back.
I have a problem with my back.
Use with, not of, when stating what the problem is connected to.

2. a calculation task in a maths exam or textbook that asks you to work out a corre

2.nounB1
Definition

a calculation task in a maths exam or textbook that asks you to work out a correct answer using numbers or logical steps.

Example

Caio solved the last problem on the test just before the bell rang.

solve a (math) problem

The math teacher gave the class ten problems to finish at home.

Common collocations
  • solve a problem
  • math problem
  • word problem
  • problem set
  • problem sheet
Synonyms
  • equation

    a specific type of math problem using an equals sign and unknown values

  • puzzle

    a problem designed to test cleverness rather than learned skills

Grammar Patterns

problem + about [topic]

Usage Note

In school contexts, problem is used for math questions that need calculation or logical steps, while question is the more general term for any subject.

Common Mistakes

I answered question number three on the math test.' (when it was a calculation task)
I answered problem number three on the math test.
Math calculation tasks are called problems, not questions.

3. a person or a group — often a child, a teenager, or a family — that people view

3.nounB2
Definition

a person or a group — often a child, a teenager, or a family — that people view as having trouble with behaviour, emotions, health, or fitting in socially.

Example

Talia taught at a school that helped children seen as problem kids.

attributive use: problem child / problem kid / problem family

The Chen family was known in the town as a problem family.

Common collocations
  • problem child
  • problem family
  • problem teenager
  • problem youth
Synonyms
  • troubled

    describes someone who has problems; less labelling than problem as a noun

  • difficult

    focuses on the behaviour being hard to handle rather than labelling the person

Grammar Patterns

problem + noun

Usage Note

Calling someone or a group a problem can sound judgemental and negative. In modern usage, person-first language (e.g., 'a child with behavioural difficulties') is often preferred.

Idioms

have a problem with something/somebody

idiom

to dislike something or disagree with someone or something.

The neighbours said they had a problem with the loud music from the party.

My teacher had no problem with me handing in the report a day late.

no problem

idiom

used as a friendly reply to thank you or sorry, meaning that you were happy to help or that something was easy; also used to agree to a request easily.

"Thanks for carrying my bags." "No problem — happy to help."

"Can you finish this report by Friday?" "No problem, I will have it ready."

that's not my problem / it's not my problem

idiom

used to say that you do not care about another person's difficulty and feel no responsibility for it.

When I told the manager about the broken lift, he just said, "That is not my problem."

Lina lost her train ticket, but the driver said it was not his problem.

that's her/his/their/your problem

idiom

used to say that someone should deal with their own difficulties instead of expecting help from others.

If he forgot to bring money, that is his problem — I am not paying for him.

You chose this career, so if you are unhappy, that is your problem.

what's your problem?

idiom

a rude or angry question used when someone is behaving unreasonably or in a way that annoys you.

Carlos kept staring at me across the room, so I finally said, "What is your problem?"

The driver shouted at the cyclist, "What is your problem? You nearly hit my car!"

it’s/that’s not my problem

idiom

Used to say you are not responsible for someone else's trouble.

If Tom forgot his keys, that's not my problem.

She said she lost her job, but it's not my problem.

that’s her/his/their/your problem

idiom

Used to say someone should handle their own difficulties themselves.

Maya can't finish the report on time? That's her problem.

If they don't like the rules, that's their problem.

what’s your problem?

idiom

Used to show you think someone is acting unreasonably or rudely.

What's your problem? I was just asking a simple question.

He shouted at me for no reason, so I said, 'What's your problem?'

problem — adjective

Word family

  • problematic
    adjectiveB2
  • problematically
    adverbC1
  • problem-solving
    nounB2
  • problem-free
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Problem is the most general word for something that needs to be solved, covering everything from a broken phone to world hunger. Issue suggests a topic people discuss or debate, often with disagreement — it is more formal and less urgent than problem (e.g., 'the issue of climate change'). Difficulty emphasises how hard something is to do or understand, focusing on the effort rather than the thing itself (e.g., 'She had difficulty opening the jar'). Trouble is more informal and often personal, suggesting worry or inconvenience in everyday life (e.g., 'He got into trouble at school'). Challenge has a positive spin, suggesting something difficult but potentially rewarding (e.g., 'Learning a new language is a challenge'). Compare: 'The car has a problem' (needs fixing) vs 'The car is a challenge to drive' (difficult but not broken).

issue ↗difficulty ↗trouble ↗challenge ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • have a problem
  • deal with a problem
  • solve a problem
  • face a problem
  • cause a problem
  • pose a problem
  • run into problems
  • the problem is that

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

Problem came into English in the 1300s from Old French 'probleme', which came from Latin 'problema' (a question proposed for discussion), which came from Greek 'πρόβλημα' (problema, meaning 'something thrown forward' or 'a question put forward'). The Greek word was formed from 'προ-' (pro-, 'forward') + 'βάλλω' (ballō, 'to throw'). Originally it meant a difficult question proposed for debate or solution. By the 1400s it was also being used for any troublesome situation — the meaning most English learners meet first today.