problem Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
    job.
    • she and her husband are having problems
    • it is always a job to contact him
    • urban problems such as traffic congestion and smog
  2. noun a question raised for consideration or solution
    • our homework consisted of ten problems to solve
  3. noun a source of difficulty
    trouble.
    • one trouble after another delayed the job
    • what's the problem?

WordNet

Prob"lem noun
Etymology
F. problème, L. problema, fr. Gr. anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. to throw or lay before; before, forward + to throw. Cf. Parable.
Definitions
  1. A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt. Bacon.
  2. (Math.) Anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity. ✍ Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles.

Webster 1913