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.

“This is a really big problem for California,” Cummings said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

Aging grid infrastructure compounds the problem, as replacement cycles accelerate alongside new capacity needs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

The problem is, it might not work with another country.

From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026

Researchers around the world are working to solve this problem, including a team in Norway.

From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026

“Yeah. Do you have a problem with that?”

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller