problems

Word family

• problematic
  adjectiveB2
• problematically
  adverbC1
• problem-solving
  nounB2
• problem-solver
  nounB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Problem, issue, difficulty, and trouble all refer to something that needs to be resolved, but they differ in scope and nuance. Problem is the most general word for a situation requiring attention or a solution ('the team solved the technical problem'). Issue often suggests a topic of discussion or debate with multiple viewpoints ('climate change is a political issue'). Difficulty emphasizes the effort or struggle required rather than the need for a solution ('she had difficulty finding the address'). Trouble is more personal and emotional, often involving worry or inconvenience ('he got into trouble at school for talking too much'). In everyday conversation, problem and issue are often used interchangeably, but issue sounds slightly more formal and less urgent. Difficulty is usually singular and uncountable when describing effort; trouble can be countable (troubles) when referring to specific problems.

Common collocations

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English problema, borrowed from Latin problema, which in turn came from Greek πρόβλημα (problēma), meaning 'a thing thrown forward, an obstacle'. The Greek word is formed from πρό (pro) 'forward' and βάλλω (ballō) 'to throw'. The original sense was something placed in your path that you must get past — a meaning that still fits the modern use of 'problem' as an obstacle to be overcome.