problem

noun [C]

/ˈprɒb.ləm/

/ˈprɑː.bləm/

Definition

A1 a situation, person, or thing that needs attention and needs to be dealt with or solved: financial/health problems Our main problem is lack of cash. I'm having problems with my computer. No one has solved the problem of what to do with radioactive waste. The very high rate of inflation poses/presents (= is) a serious problem for the government. When is the government going to tackle (= deal with) the problem of poverty in the inner cities? [+ -ing verb] Did you have any problems (= difficulties) getting here? I'd love to come - the only problem is I've got friends staying that night.Difficult things and peoplePreventing and impedingDifficult situations and unpleasant experiencesAccidents and disasters › a question in mathematics that needs an answer: We were given ten problems to solve.Calculations and calculatingAddition, subtraction, multiplication and division problem child, family, etc. › a child, etc. whose behaviour is badBad and wrong behaviourDisobedientObeying and breaking the lawObedient and compliant

(Definition of problem noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

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