What is problem? Pronunciation and usage in English

problem means . Learn how to pronounce and use problem through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of problem

problemnoun

/ˈprɒbləm/
Definition & pronunciation of problem

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "problem" in English. Here's a breakdown with a few variations and tips:

The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • PROH-blem
    • PROH: Like the word "pro" (as in "promote") but shorter. It's a stressed syllable.
    • blem: Like the word "blemish". This syllable is unstressed.

British English Pronunciation:

  • PROB-luhm
    • PROB: Similar to the American pronunciation—like "pro."
    • luhm: Like "lump" but shorter and with a slightly more rounded "uh" sound.

Tips for Both Varieties:

  • Stress: The primary emphasis is always on the first syllable ("PROH").
  • "b" sound: Make sure you don't add an extra "b" sound! It's not pronounced like "prob-blem" with a distinct "b" before the "luhm" or "blem".

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word problem in English

Let's break down how to use the word "problem" in English. It's a very versatile word with a range of meanings and usages. Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning: something causing difficulty)

  • General Difficulty: This is the most common use. It refers to a situation, issue, or challenge that’s hard to deal with.
    • "I have a problem with my car – it won’t start."
    • "Climate change is a global problem."
    • "She’s struggling with a math problem."
  • Specific Issue: Can refer to a particular, defined difficulty.
    • "There’s a problem with the internet connection." (Specifically, the connection isn't working)
    • "He has a problem with procrastination.” (He repeatedly postpones tasks.)
  • Mathematical Problem: Clearly refers to a question in math needing a solution.
    • “This algebra problem is really tricky.”
  • Technical Problem: Used in technology.
    • "I’m having a problem with the software."

2. As a Verb (to identify or experience a difficulty)

  • To identify a difficulty: To recognize that something is causing a problem.
    • "I’m trying to problem-solve this issue." (This is a common phrase – "problem-solve" means to find a solution.)
    • “The doctor will problem-solve to determine what's wrong.”
  • To experience difficulty: To encounter a challenge.
    • "He’s problem-solving his finances.” (He’s trying to manage his money, possibly with difficulty.)

3. Phrases and Idioms Using "Problem"

  • “A big problem”: A significant or serious difficulty.
    • “That’s a big problem for the company.”
  • "To have a problem with someone": To dislike or have difficulty relating to a person.
    • “I have a problem with my brother’s behavior.”
  • "To solve a problem": To find a solution.
    • “Can you help me solve this problem?”
  • "To work out a problem": To find a solution, often after discussion.
    • "We need to work out a solution to this problem."
  • "Problem child”: (Informal) A child who is difficult to manage. (Use cautiously – can be judgmental.)
  • "Problem area”: An area where there are difficulties or issues. (Often used in business or performance reviews.) “Employee retention is a problem area for this department.”

4. Grammatical Notes

  • "Problem" is countable and uncountable: You can say “I have a problem,” but you could also say “Problems are a major concern.” (Uncountable)
  • "Problem-solving" is a gerund phrase: It acts as a noun. "Problem-solving skills" are essential for many jobs.

Here's a table to summarize:

Function Meaning Example
Noun Difficulty, issue, challenge “I have a problem with my computer.”
Noun Mathematical question “This math problem is too hard.”
Verb To identify a difficulty “We need to problem-solve this issue.”
Verb To experience difficulty “He’s having problems with his health.”

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Synonyms for the word problem

Idioms of the word problem

have a problem with something/somebody
(informal)to disagree with or object to something/somebody
  • I have no problem with you working at home tomorrow.
  • We are going to do this my way. Do you have a problem with that? (= showing that you are impatient with the person that you are speaking to)
  • Do you have a problem with her?
it’s/that’s not my problem
(informal)used to show that you do not care about somebody else’s difficulties
  • If they can't afford to go, that's not my problem.
no problem
used to show that you are happy to help somebody or that something will be easy to do
  • ‘Can I pay by credit card?’ ‘Yes, no problem.’
used after somebody has thanked you or said they are sorry for something
  • ‘Thanks for the ride.’ ‘No problem.’
that’s her/his/their/your problem
(informal)used to show that you think a person should deal with their own difficulties
  • ‘My parents will be furious!’ ‘That’s your problem.’
what’s your problem?
(informal)used to show that you think somebody is being unreasonable
  • What's your problem?—I only asked if you could help me for ten minutes.

Practice with vocabulary problem

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks (4 sentences)

  1. We're facing a significant ____________ with the project's budget, which might require a revision of our timeline.
  2. Despite the initial ____________, the team managed to complete the complex task on time.
  3. The main ____________ identified during the audit was a lack of clear documentation for financial transactions.
  4. Effective cross-cultural communication is crucial for avoiding any ____________ in understanding during international negotiations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (5 questions — there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The recent policy change created several unforeseen ____________ for employees, leading to decreased morale. A) benefits B) challenges C) problems D) advantages

  2. We encountered a significant ____________ during the data migration process, causing unexpected delays in the system launch. A) obstacle B) problem C) breakthrough D) opportunity

  3. His inability to meet deadlines consistently has become a serious ____________ for the project manager and the entire team. A) asset B) concern C) problem D) strength

  4. The manager outlined the key ____________ facing the department in the upcoming quarter, requiring strategic planning. A) objectives B) challenges C) difficulties D) accomplishments

  5. Before making a final decision, it's essential to consider all the potential ____________ and benefits of the proposed solution. A) drawbacks B) solutions C) advantages D) outcomes

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences (3 questions)

  1. The lack of clear communication led to several misunderstandings among team members. (Rewrite the sentence using "problem" or a related word form.)

  2. We need to find a way to resolve the dispute over resource allocation. (Rewrite the sentence using "problem" or a related word form.)

  3. It's difficult to make progress when there are so many obstacles in our way. (Rewrite the sentence without using "problem" or any of its forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. problem
  2. challenge
  3. problem
  4. misunderstandings

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) challenges, C) problems
  2. A) obstacle, B) problem
  3. B) concern, C) problem
  4. B) challenges, C) difficulties
  5. A) drawbacks

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Poor communication presented a significant problem, leading to misunderstandings among team members.
  2. The dispute over resource allocation represents a significant problem that requires immediate resolution.
  3. Making progress is difficult due to the numerous challenges we are currently facing.

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