problem

UK:**UK and possibly other pronunciationsUK and possibly other pronunciations/ˈprɒbləm/US:USA pronunciation: IPA and respellingUSA pronunciation: IPA/ˈprɑbləm/ ,USA pronunciation: respelling(probləm)

WordReference Collins English Usage © 2026
problem
The noun problem has two common meanings.
an unsatisfactory situation
A problem is an unsatisfactory situation that needs to be dealt with.
They discussed the problem of bullying in schools.
You can say that someone has a problem or has problems.
We have a problem with our car.
They are having financial problems at the moment.
You can also say that someone has problems doing something.
Many people are having problems paying their rent.
The company has problems finding suitably qualified staff.
Be careful
Don't say that someone ‘has problems to do’ something. Don't say, for example, ‘Many people are having problems to pay their rent’.
‘reason’
Don't use ‘problem’ with why when you are explaining why a situation has occurred. Don't say, for example, ‘The problem why he couldn’t come is that he is ill'. You say ‘The reason why he couldn’t come is that he is ill'.
The reason why the project failed is lack of money.
➜ See reason
'problem' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):

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