problematize
gb/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/ us/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/
C2
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
formal
C2
action
1
Critically question an assumption
To ask critical questions about an idea that people often accept as simple or true.
Usage pattern:
problematize [an idea/assumption/category]
Common mistake:
This is a formal, academic verb; in everyday English, question, challenge, or complicate is usually more natural.
Synonyms
question (More general and less academic.)
|
challenge (Often suggests active disagreement or opposition.)
|
interrogate (Similarly academic; emphasizes close critical examination.)
Antonyms
accept (Treats something as true or valid rather than questionable.)
|
assume (Takes something as given without critical examination.)
|
affirm (Supports or confirms an idea rather than casting doubt on it.)
Collocations
problematize an idea
|problematize a concept
|problematize an assumption
|problematize a category
|problematize the notion of
|problematize a binary
|problematize a narrative
|problematize a claim
|problematize identity
|problematize the relationship between
Themes
academia
|critical_thinking
|ideas
|debate
Examples
- The essay problematizes the idea that technology is always neutral.
- Her research problematizes simple divisions between public and private life.
- The film problematizes traditional ideas of heroism instead of simply celebrating them.
Learner examples
- The article problematizes the idea of a single national identity.
- We were asked to problematize common beliefs about success.
Verb
formal
C2
action
2
Treat as a problem
To describe or frame something as if it is a problem.
Usage pattern:
problematize [a behavior/group/topic] as [a problem/risk/threat]
Common mistake:
Do not use it simply to mean cause a practical problem in casual speech; use create a problem or make something a problem.
Synonyms
frame (More neutral; means to present something in a particular way.)
|
pathologize (Stronger; means to present something as abnormal or like an illness.)
|
cast as a problem (Plain phrase with a similar meaning.)
Antonyms
normalize (Presents something as normal rather than problematic.)
|
deproblematize (Rare and technical; means to remove something from a problem frame.)
|
legitimize (Presents something as acceptable or valid.)
Collocations
problematize youth culture
|problematize migration
|problematize poverty
|problematize a behavior
|problematize difference
|problematize risk
|problematize sexuality
|problematize disability
|problematize old age
|problematize social media use
Themes
academia
|media
|politics
|social_issues
|policy
Examples
- Critics say the campaign problematizes teenage behavior that is actually normal.
- The report problematizes remote work mainly as a security risk, not as an employee benefit.
- Early media coverage problematized migration as a crisis rather than discussing long-term policy.
Learner examples
- The policy problematizes social media use among children.
- The article problematizes homelessness as a public issue.
Grammar
Dictionary form
problematize
IPA
GB/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/
US/pɹˈɑbəlmətˌaɪz/
Syllables & stress
prob - lem - at - ize (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (prob)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: problematize
- 3rd Person Singular: problematizes
- Present Participle: problematizing
- Past: problematized
- Past Participle: problematized
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.