problem
gb/pɹˈɑbləm/ us/pɹˈɑbləm/
A2
English
~ 200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
difficulty or issue to solve
Something that is difficult and needs to be fixed or answered.
Usage pattern:
a problem with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'problem' with 'question' in academic contexts; 'problem' refers to something difficult, not just something asked.
Synonyms
issue (Slightly more formal; often used in professional or diplomatic contexts.)
|
difficulty (Emphasizes the challenging nature of the situation.)
Antonyms
solution (Refers to the answer or fix for a problem.)
|
advantage (Highlights a beneficial situation rather than a troublesome one.)
Collocations
solve a problem
|have a problem
|big problem
|serious problem
|problem arises
Themes
daily life
|work
|education
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We have a serious problem with the new software.
- The main problem is that we don’t have enough time.
- She solved the problem quickly.
- Traffic is a big problem in this city.
- The teacher helped the students with their math problems.
Learner examples
- I have a problem with my phone.
- The car has a big problem.
- We need to fix this problem.
- He can solve the problem.
- There is a problem with the door.
Noun
A2
entity
2
question needing an answer
A question you must answer, often in math or science.
Usage pattern:
a [math/science] problem
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'problem' with 'equation'; an equation is a type of problem but not all problems are equations.
Synonyms
exercise (Typically used in educational contexts for practice questions.)
|
question (General term for something asked, not always requiring calculation.)
Antonyms
answer (The correct response to the question or exercise.)
Collocations
math problem
|word problem
|practice problem
|solve a problem
Themes
education
|mathematics
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The students worked on several math problems.
- This book has many practice problems at the end of each chapter.
- Can you solve this physics problem?
- The teacher explained how to approach word problems.
- He found the last problem very difficult.
Learner examples
- I have three math problems for homework.
- This is a hard problem.
- Can you help me with this problem?
- We solved all the problems in class.
- The last problem is easy.
Noun
informal
B1
entity
3
person or thing causing trouble
A person or thing that often makes trouble.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is a problem
Synonyms
troublemaker (Specifically refers to a person who causes problems intentionally.)
|
nuisance (Usually refers to someone or something annoying rather than serious trouble.)
Antonyms
help (Someone or something that makes things easier instead of harder.)
Collocations
real problem
|biggest problem
|become a problem
Themes
daily life
|relationships
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- That kid is a real problem in class.
- My old laptop has become a problem lately.
- If he keeps being late, he’s going to be a problem for the team.
- This machine has been nothing but a problem since we bought it.
Learner examples
- My dog is a problem when I leave home.
- He is a problem in class.
- This old car is a problem.
- That student is a big problem for the teacher.
Grammar
Dictionary form
problem
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑbləm/
US/pɹˈɑbləm/
Syllables & stress
prob - lem (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prob)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: problem
- Plural: problems
Word family
Forms
problems
noun
Related words
problematic
adjective B2
solver
noun
Negative and opposite forms
unsolved
adjective
Advanced or less common
problematically
adverb
Expressions
problem child
1/pɹˈɑbləm t͡ʃˈaɪld/
fixed phrase
child causing frequent trouble or difficulty
A child who often causes trouble for parents or teachers.
Examples
- The teacher said he was a problem child in school.
- They had to give special attention to the problem child.
run into problems
1/ɹˈʌn ˈɪntu pɹˈɑbləmz/
fixed phrase
experience difficulties unexpectedly during activity
To have difficulties happen while doing something.
Examples
- We ran into problems when installing the new software.
- They ran into problems halfway through building the bridge.
the heart of the problem
1/ðə hˈɑɹt əv ðə pɹˈɑbləm/
fixed phrase
central or main difficulty in a situation
The most important part of a difficulty or issue.
Examples
- The heart of the problem is poor communication between departments.
- We need to find the heart of the problem before we can fix it.
what's your problem?
1/wˈʌts jˈʊɹ pɹˈɑbləm ‖/
fixed phrase
informal
asking why someone behaves badly or angrily
Used to ask someone why they are angry, upset, or acting badly.
Examples
- "What's your problem? I was just trying to help."
- She snapped at me, and I thought, what's your problem?
no problem
1/nˈoʊ pɹˈɑbləm/
fixed phrase
informal
it's not difficult or inconvenient
Used to say that something can be done easily or that you are happy to do it.
Examples
- "Can you help me move this table?" "No problem."
- "Thanks for lending me your book." "No problem."
no problem
2/nˈoʊ pɹˈɑbləm/
fixed phrase
Not difficult; not an issue
Used to say something is easy or okay to do.
Examples
- Can you help me with this? — No problem!
- It was no problem to fix the leak.