a question raised for consideration or solution
"our homework consisted of ten problems to solve"
A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
"The leaking roof became a major problem for everyone in the house until we found a contractor who could fix it before winter arrived."
In plain English: A problem is something that goes wrong and makes it hard to do what you want to do.
"We need to solve this problem before the deadline."
Usage: Use "problem" to describe any specific difficulty, obstacle, or issue that requires a solution or action to resolve. It refers to concrete situations rather than general states of being or abstract concepts.
Difficult to train or guide; unruly.
"The new puppy was a real problem, constantly pulling on his leash and refusing to stay by my side during our walks."
In plain English: It is used to describe something that has gone wrong or is not functioning as it should.
"The problem child in his class always causes trouble during lessons."
Usage: The word "problem" is strictly a noun and cannot be used as an adjective to describe someone who is difficult to train or guide. Instead, use the adjective "problematic" or rephrase the sentence to say that the person "is a problem."
The word problem comes from the Latin problēma and originally meant "anything thrown forward" or an obstacle. It was borrowed into English through Middle French and Middle English from Ancient Greek.