| Library / English Dictionary |
PROBLEM
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (noun)
Sense 1
Meaning:
A source of difficulty
Example:
what's the problem?
Synonyms:
Classified under:
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents
Hypernyms ("problem" is a kind of...):
difficulty (a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "problem"):
pressure point (where problems or difficulties are likely to occur)
can of worms (a source of unpredictable trouble and complexity)
deep water (serious trouble)
growing pains (problems that arise in enlarging an enterprise (especially in the early stages))
hydra (trouble that cannot be overcome by a single effort because of its many aspects or its persistent and pervasive quality)
matter (a problem)
Derivation:
problematical (open to doubt or debate)
Sense 2
Meaning:
A question raised for consideration or solution
Example:
our homework consisted of ten problems to solve
Classified under:
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents
Hypernyms ("problem" is a kind of...):
head; question (the subject matter at issue)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "problem"):
rebus (a puzzle where you decode a message consisting of pictures representing syllables and words)
pons asinorum (a problem that severely tests the ability of an inexperienced person)
koan (a paradoxical anecdote or a riddle that has no solution; used in Zen Buddhism to show the inadequacy of logical reasoning)
Gordian knot (any very difficult problem; insoluble in its own terms)
poser; sticker; stumper; toughie (a particularly difficult or baffling question or problem)
brain-teaser; conundrum; enigma; riddle (a difficult problem)
homework problem (a problem that students are assigned to do outside of class)
case (a problem requiring investigation)
mystifier; puzzle; puzzler; teaser (a particularly baffling problem that is said to have a correct solution)
Sense 3
Meaning:
A state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
Example:
urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog
Synonyms:
job; problem
Classified under:
Nouns denoting stable states of affairs
Hypernyms ("problem" is a kind of...):
difficulty (a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome)
Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "problem"):
race problem (a social and political problem caused by conflict between races occupying the same or adjacent regions)
balance-of-payments problem (an economic problem caused by payments for imports being greater than receipts for exports)
Derivation:
problematic; problematical (making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe)
Context examples:
Scientists attacked this problem by studying the surface chemistry of silicon nanocrystals.
(Making higher energy light to fight cancer, National Science Foundation)
MCI memory problems may include: • Losing things often • Forgetting to go to events and appointments • Having more trouble coming up with words than other people of the same age
(Mild Cognitive Impairment, NIH: National Institute on Aging)
It is used to treat certain stomach problems and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
(Metoclopramide, NCI Dictionary)
They may be signs of other problems that should be treated.
(Menstruation, NIH: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development)
The problem of my conduct was solved.
(The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson)
Meningococci can also cause other problems, including a serious bloodstream infection called sepsis.
(Meningococcal Infections, NIH)
Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death.
(Meningitis, NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke)
Some adhesions don't cause any problems.
(Adhesions, NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
Most cases of the disorder are caused by immune system problems, but may also be caused by infection, cancer, or other diseases.
(Addison Disease, NCI Dictionary)
They can include: • Loss of hearing on one side • Ringing in ears • Dizziness and balance problems
(Acoustic Neuroma, NIH: National Institute of Deafness and Communication Disorders)
