Meaning & use
problems
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“problems” is a form of “problem”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
nounplural
Difficult situations, questions, or troubles that need to be dealt with or solved.
Grammar: Plural of 'problem'; use it for more than one difficulty. The singular is 'problem'.
Patterns
- have problems with something
- solve problems
- problems arise
The team is facing several serious problems with the new software.
If you have problems with the instructions, ask the teacher for help.
Financial problems forced the company to close two offices.
Word forms
| singular | problem |
|---|
Common combinations
- solve a problem
- Engineers worked all night to solve the problem.
- have problems with
- Many students have problems with spelling.
- serious problems
- The city faces serious problems with traffic.
- problems arise
- Problems often arise when people do not communicate.
Synonyms and how they differ
- difficulties
- Sounds more formal and often refers to general hard situations, while 'problems' can also mean specific questions to solve.
- issues
- A softer, more neutral word often used in business and politics; 'problems' can sound more direct or urgent.
- troubles
- Suggests emotional or personal worry, not usually a math or technical question.
Opposites
Word family
- problem noun
- A single difficult situation or question.
- problematic adjective
- Causing difficulty or doubt.
- problematically adverb
- In a way that causes difficulty.
Commonly confused: problems or problem?
problems vs problem
'Problem' is singular; 'problems' is plural. Use 'problems' after words like 'many', 'several', or 'no'.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
After 'many' we need the plural noun 'problems'. 'Problem' is singular, 'problemes' is a misspelling, and 'problem's' is a possessive, not a plural.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “problems”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.