Dictionary monolingual
English
Problem
ˈprɑbləm
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Problem -
A difficulty or issue that needs to be solved or dealt with
Example: The main problem with the project is the lack of funding.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Commonly used in problem-solving discussions and reports.
A situation or person causing trouble or difficulty
Example: Her behavior is becoming a real problem for the team.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: Can refer to a troublesome situation or a person causing issues.
A mathematical question or exercise to be solved
Example: The students were given several challenging math problems to solve.
Usage: formalContext: educational settings
Note: Commonly used in academic contexts to refer to math exercises.
Problem's synonyms
Issue
An issue refers to a matter or problem that is under discussion or consideration.
Example: There seems to be an issue with the software update.
Note: The term 'issue' is often used in a more formal or professional context compared to 'problem'.
Challenge
A challenge is a task or situation that tests someone's abilities.
Example: Overcoming this challenge will require teamwork and creativity.
Note: While a problem signifies an issue that needs to be resolved, a challenge implies an opportunity for growth or improvement.
Obstacle
An obstacle is something that blocks or hinders progress or achievement.
Example: Financial constraints can be a significant obstacle to starting a business.
Note: Unlike a general problem, an obstacle specifically refers to a barrier that must be overcome to reach a goal.
Dilemma
A dilemma is a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives.
Example: She faced a dilemma when she had to choose between two job offers.
Note: While a problem is a broader term for any difficulty, a dilemma specifically involves making a tough decision.
Predicament
A predicament is a difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
Example: Being caught in a traffic jam put him in a predicament as he was running late for the meeting.
Note: A predicament suggests a more challenging or complex situation compared to a typical problem.
Problem expressions, common phrases
A piece of cake
This phrase means that something is very easy to do or accomplish.
Example: Fixing this issue was a piece of cake for the experienced team.
Note: This idiom refers to something being easy rather than a serious problem.
Bite the bullet
To face a difficult situation with courage and determination.
Example: I know the exam will be tough, but I just need to bite the bullet and study hard.
Note: The focus is on facing a difficult situation head-on rather than just acknowledging a problem.
Hit the nail on the head
To describe someone as being exactly right about something.
Example: You really hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the issue.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the accuracy of a solution or analysis rather than the existence of a problem.
Sweep it under the rug
To ignore or hide a problem rather than dealing with it openly.
Example: Don't just sweep this problem under the rug, address it directly.
Note: This idiom focuses on avoiding or concealing a problem rather than solving it.
Put a band-aid on it
To temporarily fix a problem without addressing the underlying cause.
Example: We need to find a permanent solution, not just put a band-aid on the problem.
Note: This expression refers to temporary solutions rather than solving the core issue.
Behind the eight ball
To be in a difficult situation with unfavorable circumstances.
Example: Due to the delays, we are now behind the eight ball with this project.
Note: This idiom denotes being in a challenging situation rather than just facing a problem.
Make a mountain out of a molehill
To exaggerate the importance of a problem or make it seem more serious than it is.
Example: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill; it's just a minor issue.
Note: This phrase emphasizes exaggeration rather than the actual severity of a problem.
Problem everyday (slang) expressions
Hiccup
Hiccup is used to describe a minor setback or temporary problem.
Example: There was a small hiccup with the delivery, but it's being resolved.
Note: It suggests a temporary and minor inconvenience compared to a more serious, ongoing problem.
Snag
Snag refers to an unexpected problem or obstacle that delays progress.
Example: We hit a little snag in getting the permits approved.
Note: It implies encountering a difficulty that was not foreseen or planned for.
Glitch
A glitch is a sudden, usually temporary malfunction or fault in a system or process.
Example: The website is experiencing a glitch that's affecting the checkout process.
Note: It often refers to technical issues, especially in digital systems.
Headache
A headache is a problem or situation that is difficult to deal with or causes stress and frustration.
Example: Dealing with all these paperwork is such a headache.
Note: It conveys a sense of being mentally taxing or bothersome.
Mess
Mess refers to a situation or state of affairs that is confused, disorganized, or chaotic.
Example: The whole situation turned into a big mess after the miscommunication.
Note: It suggests a lack of order or clarity, often due to mismanagement or mistakes.
Problem - Examples
I have a problem.
Can you help me with this problem?
I need to find a solution to this problem.
This is becoming a big problem.
Problem grammar
Problem - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: problem
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): problems
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): problem
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Problem Contains 2 syllables: prob • lem
Phonetic transcription: ˈprä-bləm
prob lem , ˈprä bləm (The red syllable is stressed)
Problem - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Problem: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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