problem
A1Neutral (used in all registers, from highly formal to casual)
Definition
Meaning
A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome, harmful, or difficult to deal with and needing to be resolved.
An inquiry or puzzle presented for consideration or solution; a mathematical question to be worked out; in logic, a proposition stating something to be done or proved.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun; can function as an attributive adjective (e.g., problem child). Does not imply blame on its own; focus is on the situation, not the cause.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'No problem' as a response to thanks is slightly more informal/casual in BrE, while fully standard in AmE. 'Have a problem with' (to object to) is common in both.
Connotations
Similar connotations of difficulty and need for solution. In educational contexts, both use 'math(s) problem'.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with near-identical usage patterns.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[There] + be + problem + with + NP[NP] + have + a + problem + (with + NP)[NP] + pose/present + a + problem + (for + NP)problem + of + V-ing/NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the problem child”
- “it's not my problem”
- “a problem shared is a problem halved”
- “What's your problem?”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to operational issues, financial shortfalls, or management challenges (e.g., 'We have a cash flow problem.').
Academic
Refers to a research question, a mathematical exercise, or a logical puzzle to be solved (e.g., 'The central problem of the study...').
Everyday
Used for general life difficulties, malfunctions, or interpersonal disagreements (e.g., 'My car has a problem.' 'Do you have a problem with me?').
Technical
In computing/engineering, refers to a bug, glitch, or systemic fault requiring diagnosis and repair.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He was a problem student from day one.
- The council faces a problem housing estate.
American English
- She was labeled a problem child early on.
- The city has several problem neighborhoods.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a problem with my computer.
- Can you help me solve this problem?
- No problem! I can do that.
- The main problem is we don't have enough time.
- We ran into a technical problem during the meeting.
- Do you see a problem with this plan?
- The government is struggling to address the problem of urban poverty.
- Her research identifies the root causes of the problem.
- I take issue with his proposal, but I don't have a fundamental problem with it.
- The inherent problem with this methodology is its reliance on subjective data.
- They've problematized the very concept of free will in their thesis.
- He approached the logistical nightmare not as an obstacle but as an intriguing combinatorial problem.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PRO sitting with a BLEMished plan – the blemish is the PROBLEM they need to fix.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE OBSTACLES/BURDENS (face a problem, burdened by problems), PROBLEMS ARE ILLNESSES (diagnose the problem, treat the underlying problem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating Russian 'проблема' directly in contexts where English uses 'issue', 'question', or 'matter' (e.g., 'the issue/question of funding', not '*the problem of funding' unless it is genuinely difficult).
- Do not use 'no problem' as a direct translation of 'не за что' in very formal written replies; 'You're welcome' or 'My pleasure' is safer.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'problem' as a countable noun without an article where needed (e.g., 'We have problem' → 'We have a problem').
- Overusing 'problem' for minor issues where 'issue' or 'matter' is more appropriate, potentially sounding overly negative.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common conceptual metaphor for 'problem'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but register matters. It is perfectly standard and polite in AmE and common in casual BrE. In very formal or traditional BrE contexts, 'You're welcome' or 'My pleasure' might be preferred.
Rarely in everyday use. The verb 'problematize' exists in academic discourse (meaning to treat or present as a problem requiring critical analysis), but for most contexts, we use phrases like 'cause a problem' or 'pose a problem'.
They are often interchangeable, but 'problem' typically implies something more negative and in need of a solution, while 'issue' can be more neutral, referring to a topic or matter for discussion (which may or may not be difficult). An 'issue' can be a 'problem', but not all 'issues' are 'problems'.
Yes, it's grammatically correct. However, tone and context are key. It can sound concerned and helpful, or, if said with a certain intonation, it can sound confrontational (similar to 'What's your problem?').
Collections
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