problematic
/ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌprɑːbləˈmætɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik/ (ame, mw)
problematic — adjective
- problematicpositive
- more problematiccomparative
- most problematicsuperlative
1. involving or causing difficulties that are hard to resolve or manage
involving or causing difficulties that are hard to resolve or manage
The latest operating system update created a problematic situation for the hospital's billing team.
collocation: problematic situation
Yael found the parking rules problematic because they changed every week.
pattern: find + [noun] + problematic
Imran's relationship with his business partner became increasingly problematic over money.
The school plan to cut the art budget was problematic for students who loved painting.
Kasia struggled with a problematic knee injury that kept her from running.
- troublesome
more informal, emphasizes ongoing annoyance rather than structural difficulty
- difficult
broader and more general; less specific about causing complications
- vexing
more formal, suggests irritation or frustration
- straightforward
suggests something is simple and easy to handle
- unproblematic
direct opposite, though less common in everyday speech
用法筆記
Subject can be a situation, plan, relationship, or physical condition. This is the broadest and most frequent sense.
常見錯誤
2. not certain to be true, correct, or reliable; open to reasonable doubt or debate
not certain to be true, correct, or reliable; open to reasonable doubt or debate
The claim that the herbal supplement cures arthritis for everyone is highly problematic given the lack of clinical trials.
collocation: highly problematic
Ryan pointed out several problematic assumptions in the research paper.
collocation: problematic assumption
It is problematic to assume all students in the maths class learn algebra at the same speed.
The witness's statement was problematic because it contradicted the video evidence.
Constanza found the logic of the argument problematic and asked for more proof.
- questionable
slightly stronger; suggests moral or ethical doubt as well as factual doubt
- debatable
focuses on the existence of opposing views rather than inherent doubtfulness
- dubious
carries a more negative tone, suggesting suspicion about truthfulness
- certain
suggests no room for doubt
- indisputable
stronger; suggests something cannot be reasonably questioned
文法句型
it is problematic to + infinitive
problematic that + clause
用法筆記
Often used with impersonal constructions ("it is problematic to…") and frequently appears in academic or analytical contexts. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense concerns uncertainty about truth or correctness, not practical difficulties.
常見錯誤
3. containing ideas, language, or images that could offend, upset, or cause harm to
containing ideas, language, or images that could offend, upset, or cause harm to certain groups of people
Some viewers found the old comedy show problematic because of its racial jokes.
register: used for media content that may offend
The mayor apologized for making a problematic comment during the town hall meeting.
collocation: problematic comment
Pim removed the post after realizing it contained problematic language.
The history teachers at Taipei Municipal High School discussed how to address problematic ideas about colonialism in their textbooks.
The film company edited out several problematic scenes before the re-release.
- offensive
stronger and more direct; implies clear intent or clear harm
- objectionable
more formal; focuses on the act of raising an objection
- troubling
softer; suggests discomfort or concern without specifying the cause
- acceptable
suggests something meets social standards of appropriateness
- inoffensive
direct opposite; unlikely to cause any offense
用法筆記
This sense is common in discussions of media, public discourse, and education. It often refers to subtle or systemic harm — racism, sexism, ableism — rather than overt slurs. Distinguish from sense 1: the focus here is on social harm, not practical difficulty.
常見錯誤
problematic — noun
1. a specific issue, aspect, or detail that creates problems or raises concerns
a specific issue, aspect, or detail that creates problems or raises concerns
The city council report identified several problematic issues in the affordable housing policy.
formal register: plural countable usage
Yael, the team supervisor, outlined the main problematic issue in the customer service team's complaint handling.
collocation: main problematic
One problematic aspect of the sleep study was that it only included university students aged 18 to 22.
The committee discussed the problematics of enforcing the new rules equally across all districts.
Researchers debated the problematics surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in hiring decisions.
- issue
more common and neutral; works in both formal and informal contexts
- concern
emphasizes worry or attention rather than a structural problem
- difficulty
more general; refers to something that is hard to deal with
文法句型
the problematic of [noun phrase]
a problematic about [noun phrase]
用法筆記
The noun form is much rarer than the adjective and is mostly restricted to academic or formal writing. It is often used in the plural (problematics) to refer to a set of concerns surrounding a topic. Avoid using this in everyday conversation — use 'problem' or 'issue' instead.