problem solving definition vocabulary

Definition of 'problem-solving'

Problem-solving in british english.

Examples of 'problem-solving' in a sentence problem-solving

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• problem stems
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problem solving

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Cognitive processing directed at finding solutions to well-defined problems, such as the Tower of Hanoi, Wason selection task, or a water-jar problem, by performing a sequence of operations. Problem solving by means of logic or logical analysis is usually called reasoning. See also 2-4-6 problem, algorithm, brute force algorithm, convergence-divergence, functional fixedness, General Problem Solver, ill-defined problem, insight (2), intelligence, lateral thinking, Monty Hall problem, muddy children problem, Newcomb's problem, nine-dot problem, oddity problem, problem-solving stages, taxicab problem, travelling salesman problem, well-defined problem. [From Latin problema , something put forward, from Greek pro before or forward + ballein to throw]

From:   problem solving   in  A Dictionary of Psychology »

Subjects: Science and technology — Psychology

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Meaning of problem in English

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• problem What's the problem here?
• difficulty The company is having some financial difficulties at the moment.
• trouble We've had a lot of trouble with the new computer system.
• hitch The ceremony went without a hitch.
• glitch We've had a few technical glitches, but I'm confident we'll be ready on time.
• hurdle Getting a work permit is only the first hurdle.
• Traffic congestion in large cities seems to be an insoluble problem.
• Her only problem is lack of confidence .
• I've had continual problems with this car ever since I bought it.
• Tiredness, loss of appetite and sleeping problems are all classic symptoms of depression .
• Desperate measures are needed to deal with the growing drug problem.
• a (heavy) cross to bear idiom
• ball and chain
• be dead meat idiom
• be in the clear idiom
• stumbling block
• teething troubles
• thorn in your flesh/side idiom

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

problem | American Dictionary

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said when you tell someone, or agree with someone, to keep something a secret

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problem-solve verb

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What does the verb problem-solve mean?

There is one meaning in OED's entry for the verb problem-solve . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the verb problem-solve ?

How is the verb problem-solve pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the verb problem-solve come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the verb problem-solve is in the 1950s.

OED's earliest evidence for problem-solve is from 1956, in New York Times .

problem-solve is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: problem n. , solve v.

Nearby entries

• probleming, n. 1657–
• problemist, n. a1631–
• problemistic, adj. 1892–
• problemize, v. 1844–
• problemless, adj. 1865–
• problemo, n. 1985–
• problem of three bodies, n. 1814–
• problem-orientated, adj. 1951–
• problem-oriented, adj. 1946–
• problem play, n. 1894–
• problem-solve, v. 1956–
• problem-solver, n. 1848–
• problem-solving, n. & adj. 1854–
• problem tape, n. 1948–
• problem-wise, adv. a1859–
• pro-Boarder, n. 1902–
• pro-Boerism, n. 1899–
• probole, n.¹ 1684–1880
• probole, n.² 1696–
• probolistic, adj. 1876–
• pro bono, adv. & adj. 1774–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, entry history for problem-solve, v..

problem-solve, v. was first published in December 2004.

problem-solve, v. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
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Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into problem-solve, v. in July 2023.

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Citation details

Factsheet for problem-solve, v., browse entry.

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Definition of problem

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of problem  (Entry 2 of 2)

mystery , problem , enigma , riddle , puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes.

mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation.

problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret.

riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction.

puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution.

Examples of problem in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'problem.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English probleme , from Latin problema , from Greek problēma , literally, obstacle, from proballein to throw forward, from pro- forward + ballein to throw — more at pro- , devil

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing problem

• attitude problem
• drinking problem
• drink problem
• first world problem
• have a problem with
• not a problem
• not someone's problem
• problem - solving
• therein lies the problem
• what's someone's problem
• word problem

Articles Related to problem

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Cans of worms, wild-goose chases, and more

Dictionary Entries Near problem

problematic

Cite this Entry

“Problem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of problem.

Kids Definition of problem  (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on problem

Nglish: Translation of problem for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of problem for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about problem

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Definition of problem noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• big/serious/major problems
• She has a lot of health problems .
• financial/social/technical problems
• Let me know if you have any problems .
• The government must address the problem of child poverty.
• We cannot tackle this problem effectively on our own.
• We are dealing with a serious problem here.
• Money isn't going to solve the problem .
• (especially North American English) to fix a problem
• If he chooses Mary it's bound to cause problems .
• to pose/create a problem
• The problem first arose in 2018.
• problem with something There is a problem with this argument.
• problem of something the problem of drug abuse
• problem of doing something Most students face the problem of funding themselves while they are studying.
• problem for somebody Unemployment is a very real problem for graduates now.
• It’s a nice table! The only problem is (that) it’s too big for our room.
• Part of the problem is the shape of the room.
• Stop worrying about their marriage—it isn't your problem.
• There's no history of heart problems (= disease connected with the heart) in our family.
• the magazine’s problem page (= containing letters about readers’ problems and advice about how to solve them)
• All the anti-depressant does is mask the problem.
• Depression is a natural feeling if your problems seem intractable.
• For years I've tried to overlook this problem.
• Fortunately, it's easy to avoid any potential problems.
• Framing the problem is an important step.
• She believes she may have found a solution to the problem.
• He developed a drinking problem.
• She doesn't really see the problem.
• He doesn't seem to understand my problem.
• She had to undergo surgery to cure the problem with her knee.
• He has been faced with all manner of problems in his new job.
• Her new job had taken her mind off her family problems for a while.
• I didn't imagine there would be a problem about getting tickets.
• I don't anticipate any future problems in that regard.
• I forgot my problems for a moment.
• I'm glad you finally admitted your problem.
• If the problem persists you should see a doctor.
• Inadequate resources pose a problem for all members of staff.
• Most people can see the ethical problem with accepting such an offer.
• No one ever asked why or how the problem originated.
• Our greatest problem is the lack of funds.
• She had serious substance abuse problems with both cocaine and heroin.
• She raised the problem of falling sales at the last meeting.
• Success brings its own problems.
• Systemic security problems have been identified.
• The accident poses a terrible problem for the family.
• The basic problem remains the lack of available housing.
• The plan has been fraught with problems from the start.
• The problem lies in the lack of communication between managers and staff.
• Therein lies the problem.
• The rail strike is a problem for all commuters.
• The role of the sun in climate change is still a big unsolved problem.
• The traffic in illegal drugs is a global problem.
• These symptoms may indicate a serious problem.
• They created a task force to study this problem.
• They sold their car to ease their financial problems.
• This illustrates another potential problem.
• This underscores the biggest problem with electronic voting.
• We need to get to the root of the problem before we can solve it.
• We're faced with a whole host of new problems.
• This is one of the great problems of cosmology: where did the overall structure of the universe come from?
• present (somebody with)
• behaviour/​behavior
• problem about
• problem for
• an approach to a problem
• the crux of the problem
• the heart of the problem

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