Problem
/ˈprɒb.ləm/noun
A question or issue that needs to be solved or dealt with.
Did you know?In Ancient Greek, a problēma was not just an issue; it was anything thrown forward as a barrier or challenge, and the word later became a standard term in philosophy and mathematics.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰel-
“to throw, strike”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πρόβλημα (próblēma)
“a thing thrown forward; a barrier, obstacle, or question set before someone”
Late Latin
Latin
problema
“a problem, proposition, or question for discussion”
Old French
Old French
probleme
“a problem or difficult question”
14th Century
English
problem
“a difficult question or matter requiring solution”
Modern English
English
problem
“an issue or difficulty that needs to be solved”