'Problem' definitions:
Definition of 'problem'
From: WordNet
noun
A state of difficulty that needs to be resolved; "she and her husband are having problems"; "it is always a job to contact him"; "urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog" [syn: problem, job]
noun
A question raised for consideration or solution; "our homework consisted of ten problems to solve"
noun
A source of difficulty; "one trouble after another delayed the job"; "what's the problem?" [syn: trouble, problem]
Definition of 'Problem'
From: GCIDE
- Problem \Prob"lem\, n. [F. probl[`e]me, L. problema, fr. Gr. ? anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. ? to throw or lay before; ? before, forward + ? to throw. Cf. Parable. ] [1913 Webster]
- 1. A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Math.) Anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity. [1913 Webster]
- Note: Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles. [1913 Webster]
- Plane problem (Geom.), a problem that can be solved by the use of the rule and compass.
- Solid problem (Geom.), a problem requiring in its geometric solution the use of a conic section or higher curve. [1913 Webster] Problematic
Synonyms of 'problem'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- ado,
- aggravation,
- annoyance,
- anxiety,
- bad news,
- baffle,
- bafflement,
- baffling problem,
- basis,
- bedevilment,
- besetment,
- bewilderment,
- blemish,
- bone of contention,
- bore,
- bother,
- botheration,
- bothersomeness,
- brain twister,
- bug,
- bugaboo,
- bugbear,
- burden,
- can of worms,
- case,
- catch,
- catechism,
- chapter,
- Chinese puzzle,
- complication,
- concern,
- confoundment,
- confusion,
- conundrum,
- count,
- crack,
- crashing bore,
- cross-interrogatory,
- cross-question,
- crossword puzzle,
- crux,
- debating point,
- defect,
- defection,
- deficiency,
- delinquent,
- demand,
- devilment,
- difficult,
- difficulty,
- dilemma,
- disadvantage,
- discomposure,
- disconcert,
- disconcertedness,
- disconcertion,
- disconcertment,
- disturbance,
- disturbed,
- dogging,
- downer,
- drag,
- drawback,
- embarrassment,
- enigma,
- enigmatic question,
- essence,
- evil,
- exasperation,
- facer,
- failing,
- failure,
- fault,
- faute,
- feeler,
- fix,
- flaw,
- floorer,
- focus of attention,
- focus of interest,
- foible,
- frailty,
- gist,
- great ado,
- harassment,
- harrying,
- head,
- headache,
- heading,
- hole,
- hounding,
- illustration,
- imbroglio,
- imperfection,
- inadequacy,
- inconvenience,
- incorrigible,
- infirmity,
- inquiry,
- interrogation,
- interrogative,
- interrogatory,
- intractable,
- issue,
- jam,
- jigsaw puzzle,
- kink,
- knot,
- knotty point,
- leader,
- leading question,
- little problem,
- living issue,
- main point,
- maladjusted,
- matter,
- matter in hand,
- meat,
- mess,
- mind-boggler,
- molestation,
- moot point,
- motif,
- motive,
- muddle,
- mystery,
- nonplus,
- nuisance,
- nut,
- nut to crack,
- obstreperous,
- peck of troubles,
- perplexed question,
- perplexity,
- persecution,
- perturbation,
- pest,
- pickle,
- plight,
- point,
- point at issue,
- point in question,
- poser,
- pother,
- predicament,
- pretty pickle,
- puzzle,
- puzzlement,
- puzzler,
- quandary,
- query,
- question,
- question at issue,
- question mark,
- quodlibet,
- refractory,
- riddle,
- rift,
- rubric,
- scrape,
- sea of troubles,
- shortcoming,
- sixty-four dollar question,
- snag,
- something missing,
- stew,
- sticker,
- stumper,
- subject,
- subject matter,
- subject of thought,
- substance,
- taint,
- text,
- theme,
- topic,
- tough proposition,
- trial,
- trial balloon,
- trouble,
- unassuredness,
- uncontrollable,
- ungovernable,
- unmanageable,
- unruly,
- upset,
- vexation,
- vexatiousness,
- vexed question,
- vulnerable place,
- weak link,
- weak point,
- weakness,
- why,
- worriment,
- worry