Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
- a question proposed for solution or discussion.
- Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
adjective
- difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.
- Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large: a problem play.
Idioms
- no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude).
noun
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- any thing, matter, person, etc, that is difficult to deal with, solve, or overcome
- (as modifier)a problem child
- a puzzle, question, etc, set for solution
- maths a statement requiring a solution usually by means of one or more operations or geometric constructions
- (modifier) designating a literary work that deals with difficult moral questionsa problem play
n.late 14c., “a difficult question proposed for solution,” from Old French problème (14c.) and directly from Latin problema, from Greek problema “a task, that which is proposed, a question;” also “anything projecting, headland, promontory; fence, barrier;” also “a problem in geometry,” literally “thing put forward,” from proballein “propose,” from pro “forward” (see pro-) + ballein “to throw” (see ballistics). Meaning “a difficulty” is mid-15c. Mathematical sense is from 1560s in English. Problem child first recorded 1920. Phrase _______ problem in reference to a persistent and seemingly insoluble difficulty is attested at least from 1882, in Jewish problem. Response no problem “that is acceptable; that can be done without difficulty” is recorded from 1968. 1Also, no sweat; not to worry. There’s no difficulty about this, don’t concern yourself. For example, Of course I can change your tire—no problem, or You want more small change? no sweat, or We’ll be there in plenty of time, not to worry. The first of these colloquial terms dates from about 1960 and the second from about 1950. The third, originating in Britain in the 1930s and using not to with the sense of “don’t,” crossed the Atlantic in the 1970s. 2You’re welcome, as in Thanks for the ride, Dad.—No problem. [Late 1900s] see no problem.