problem
problem
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling: [ˈprɒbləm]
Syllable Breakdown:
First Syllable (PROB):
/p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive
/r/ - alveolar approximant
/ɒ/ - open-mid back rounded vowel
Second Syllable (ləm):
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
/ə/ - schwa
/m/ - bilabial nasal
Word Form Variations
The word "problem" is a noun, and it doesn't have a plural form. It remains "problem" in both singular and plural contexts.
However, there are related words derived from "problem":
Problematic (adjective): This describes something that is difficult or causes problems.
For example:
"We have a problem with the printer." (singular)
"We have many problems with the printer." (plural)
"The printer is problematic." (adjective)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Problem (Noun)
Definition: A difficulty or obstacle that needs to be overcome or solved.
Synonyms: Issue, difficulty, challenge, predicament, quandary, dilemma, inconvenience
Antonyms: Solution, answer, resolution, ease, simplicity
Problem (Verb) [Less Common Usage]
Definition: To cause difficulty or trouble.
Synonyms: Bother, trouble, vex, annoy
Antonyms: Help, assist, aid
Examples of Use
In Books
Literary Fiction: "The greatest problem with love is that it's temporary." (A character's reflection in a novel like "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen)
Non-Fiction: "The world's biggest problem is indifference." (A quote attributed to various sources, often found in self-help books or philosophical discussions)
In Newspapers
Headline: "Global Warming: The World's Most Pressing Problem" (A headline from a news article discussing climate change)
News Article: "The problem of homelessness in urban areas continues to grow." (A sentence from a news article about social issues)
In Online Publications
Blog Post: "The biggest problem with remote work is loneliness." (A blog post discussing the challenges of remote work)
News Website: "Economic downturn poses a serious problem for many countries." (A news article discussing global economic trends)
In Entertainment Media
Movie: "The problem is, you don't know what you want." (A line from a romantic comedy like "When Harry Met Sally")
TV Show: "We've got a problem, Houston." (A famous line from the movie "Apollo 13")
Video Game: "The player's main problem is defeating the final boss." (A game review discussing a video game's challenge)
In General Public Discourse
Everyday Conversation: "I have a problem with my car." (A common phrase expressing a mechanical issue)
Political Debate: "The biggest problem facing our nation is income inequality." (A politician's statement during a debate)
Social Media: "My biggest problem right now is writer's block." (A social media post expressing a personal challenge)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Problem
"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." — Albert Einstein
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." — Captain Jack Sparrow (fictional character, popularized as a quote)
"Every problem is a gift—without problems, we would not grow." — Tony Robbins
"It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer." — Albert Einstein
"Inside of every problem lies an opportunity." — Robert Kiyosaki
"A problem well stated is a problem half solved." — Charles Kettering
"Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain." — Henry Ford
"There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves." — Lyndon B. Johnson
"Problems are not stop signs, they are guidelines." — Robert H. Schuller
"If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." — Abraham Maslow
Etymology
The word "problem" comes from the Greek word "próblēma," which means "something thrown forward." Imagine someone throwing a question or a challenge at you - that's kind of like a problem! It's something you need to think about and figure out.
The first known use of "problem" in English was around the 1300s. Back then, it was used to describe a difficult question or puzzle that needed to be solved. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any kind of difficulty or obstacle.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Problem
While "problem" doesn't feature in many common idioms, here are some phrases and expressions that use it or its synonyms:
Problem child: A person who is difficult to manage or control.
Problem solver: A person who is good at finding solutions to problems.
No problem: A casual way of saying "you're welcome" or "it's not a problem."
The crux of the problem: The most important part of the problem.
A can of worms: A difficult or complicated situation.
Here are some idioms that use synonyms for "problem" or express the idea of a problem:
A thorn in one's side: A persistent problem or annoyance.
A monkey on one's back: A persistent problem or burden.
A weight on one's shoulders: A worry or concern.
A headache: A difficult or annoying situation.
A nightmare: A very bad or frightening situation.
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Source Information
Definition of problem from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
