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problem
- definition
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/ˈprɒbləm/ 
| singular | problem |
| plural | problems |
- 1something that causes trouble or difficulty
a major cause of traffic problems in the city
problem of:the problem of unemployment
problem for:Homelessness is a serious problem for a lot of young people.
have problems with:We’ve been having problems with the heating in the office.
solve a problem:That still doesn’t solve our problem.
cause someone a problem/cause a problem for someone:The continuing bad weather is causing serious problems for farmers.
pose (=be) a problem (for someone/something):Racial tensions in the south of the city pose a real problem for the police.
the (only) problem is (that):They’re the best cameras on the market. The only problem is they’re incredibly expensive.
- b.[only before noun] experiencing a lot of difficulties in life, or causing difficulties for other people
a problem child/family
Collocations: problem
▪ big, fundamental, important, insoluble, intractable, major, pressing, real, serious▪ address, alleviate, cause, compound, create, encounter, exacerbate, experience, face, overcome, pose, resolve, solve, tackle
phrases
have a problem with something
informalno problem
spokennot be someone’s problem
spokenthat’s your problem
spokenwhat’s your problem?
spoken
- She thinks we live in a sick society.
- We must address the social ills that are at the root of crime
- She said that there was a cancer at the very heart of society.
- Transport was another headache for the government.
- London was paralysed by a series of strikes.
- We discussed the company and its ailing finances.
- The economy is very healthy/unhealthy.
- The economy began to recover.
- There is no simple remedy for the problem.
- This latest development has reopened old wounds.
- He bore the scars of a troubled childhood.
This is the British English definition of problem. View American English definition of problem.
Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.
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