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problematicpresenting a problem or difficulty; doubtful or questionable

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: presenting a problem or difficulty; doubtful or questionable

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌprɑbləˈmætɪk/

Example Sentences

  • My cat's habit of sleeping on my laptop keyboard is quite problematic during video calls.
  • The new policy has proven problematic for small businesses.
  • Using your phone as an alarm clock becomes problematic when the battery dies overnight.

problematic

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌprɑbləˈmætɪk/]

presenting a problem or difficulty; doubtful or questionable

The new bridge design turned out to be seriously problematic during testing.
💡 Concept

The new bridge design turned out to be seriously problematic during testing.

When systematic becomes problematic, automatic fails dramatic!
🎵 Rhyme

When systematic becomes problematic, automatic fails dramatic!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌprɑbləˈmætɪk/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk/

🌳Etymology

Rootproblem
Suffix--atic

Origin

From Greek 'problematikos' meaning 'pertaining to a problem,' derived from 'problema' (something thrown forward, a difficulty) composed of 'pro-' (forward) and 'ballein' (to throw). The word entered English via French in the 16th century.

Breakdown

problem (from Greek pro- 'forward' + ballein 'to throw') + -atic (Greek -atikos, suffix meaning 'of or pertaining to') = problematic (adjective meaning 'presenting difficulty or doubt')

🎵Rhyme

systematicautomaticdramaticpragmatic
systematic
automatic
dramatic
pragmatic

🔗Collocations

problematic situation
highly problematic
potentially problematic
problematic behavior
find something problematic
prove problematic
problematic aspect

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My cat's habit of sleeping on my laptop keyboard is quite problematic during video calls.

The new policy has proven problematic for small businesses.

😄 Fun example

Using your phone as an alarm clock becomes problematic when the battery dies overnight.

The data collection methods used in this study are potentially problematic.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

troublesomedifficultchallengingquestionableconcerning

Antonyms

unproblematicstraightforwardsimple

Related

problemissuedifficultycomplicationdilemma

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