Etymology From Middle English probleme, from Middle French probleme, from Latin problēma, from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (próblēma, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward”), from προ- (pro-, “in front of”) + βάλλω (bállō, “to throw, to cast, to hurl”). Doublet of problema.
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
“[…] it is not fair of you to bring against mankind double weapons ! Dangerous enough you are as woman alone, without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves.”1910, Emerson Hough, chapter I, in The Purchase Price: Or The Cause of Compromise, Indianapolis, Ind.: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, →OCLC:
2 more examples
Kate's very good with problems, Chief Inspector. Other people's, anyway.1999 February 3, Anthony Horowitz & al., "Strangler's Wood", Midsomer Murders
The perfume industry is facing a major problem: maintaining constant levels of quality is crucial, but it is increasingly difficult to obtain a regular supply of all the necessary natural ingredients.2014 March 7, Nicole Vulser, “Perfume manufacturers must cope with the scarcity of precious supplies”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 190, number 13, page 30:
2
An addiction, other substance use disorder, or comparable psychological challenge.
I think he has a gambling problem. Lending him money will probably only make it worse.
I think he has a nose candy problem. Lending him money will probably only make it worse.
3
A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
Study hard, but don't overdo it. The problems in the exam won't be difficult to solve.
4
A puzzling circumstance.
5
Objection.
You got a problem with that?
6
Difficulty in accepting or understanding or refusal to accept or understand.
You made your best honest effort; if they judge you harshly, that’s their problem, not yours.
7
Climbing, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports A set of moves required to complete a climb.
Etymology From Middle English probleme, from Middle French probleme, from Latin problēma, from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (próblēma, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward”), from προ- (pro-, “in front of”) + βάλλω (bállō, “to throw, to cast, to hurl”). Doublet of problema.
1
Of a person or an animal, difficult to train or guide; unruly.
2
Causing a problem; problematic; troublesome.
It is more problem to my family than to me.2010, A. M. Aleksander, The Pride of the King:
Etymology From Middle English probleme, from Middle French probleme, from Latin problēma, from Ancient Greek πρόβλημα (próblēma, “anything thrown forward, hindrance, obstacle, anything projecting, a headland, promontory”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “to throw or lay something in front of someone, to put forward”), from προ- (pro-, “in front of”) + βάλλω (bállō, “to throw, to cast, to hurl”). Doublet of problema.
Now, if I thought he was there, it was that at some point in time he told me that's where he would be. If that's probleming you, it's not probleming me.1989, United States, Congress, Senate, Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Report of the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee on the Articles Against Judge Alcee L. Hastings, Hearings Before the Senate Impeachment Trial Committee, United States Senate, One Hundred First Congress, First Session, page 2341: