problem
adjective/ˈprɒbləm/
/ˈprɑːbləm/
[only before noun]- causing problems for other people or yourself
- She was a problem child, always in trouble with the police.
- a new approach to problem drinking
- One out of every five people is a problem drinker.
Word Originlate Middle English (originally denoting a riddle or a question for academic discussion): from Old French probleme, via Latin from Greek problēma, from proballein ‘put forth’, from pro ‘before’ + ballein ‘to throw’.Want to learn more?
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