problems
English meaning: Problems
Definition
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
Example
“She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.”
Another example: “The new software caused all kinds of problems for the staff.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Plural of 'problem'; difficulties or matters needing solutions ('solve problems', 'health problems'), or questions to be worked out in maths. Very common in all registers. Note the casual reassurance 'no problem'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'problema', from Greek 'problēma' (a thing put forward, question), from 'proballein' (to throw forward); entered English in the 14th century.
Synonyms
- difficulties
- issues
- troubles
- obstacles
- complications
- setbacks
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- solve problems
- cause problems
- health problems
- face problems
- technical problems
- run into problems
Word Forms
problem (n, sing.); problems (pl.); problematic (adj)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B