problem

[prob-luhm] / ˈprɒb ləm /

NOUN

difficulty; bad situation

Synonyms

STRONGEST

complication dilemma dispute headache issue obstacle question trouble

STRONG

botheration box count crunch disagreement doubt hitch mess pickle predicament quandary scrape squeeze worriment

WEAK

can of worms disputed point hot water point at issue

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage agreement assistance blessing help peace

STRONG

benefit certainty opening solution

WEAK

good situation

NOUN

puzzle, question

Synonyms

STRONG

bugaboo conundrum enigma example grabber illustration intricacy mystery poser puzzler query riddle stickler stumper teaser twister

WEAK

brainteaser cliff-hanger mind-boggler sixty-four thousand dollar question

Antonyms

WEAK

good situation solution

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When Kekoa Gittens was 3, his preschool teacher told his mother he was a problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The solution to this problem may lie in the notion of seamful design.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Although climate change is a global problem, its impacts are not evenly distributed.

From Science Daily • Apr. 4, 2026

While this is a great problem to have, it poses dilemmas for savers trying to minimize income taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

It was then that I realized I really had a problem.

From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls