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   problem

   /ˈprɒbləm/

   noun

   • 1. a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome: "they have financial problems" Similar difficultyissuetroubleworrycomplicationdifficult situationmessmuddlemix-upsnaghitchdrawbackstumbling blockobstaclehurdlehiccupsetbackcatchcatch-22vexed questionquandarythe rubpredicamentplightcan of wormshornets' nestGordian knotmisfortunemishapmisadventureinformal:dilemmaheadacheprobhasslepicklefixtight spotfly in the ointmenthow-do-you-dojobgremlinfacerkatzenjammerrare:nodus
   • ▪ a thing that is difficult to achieve: "motivation of staff can also be a problem" Similar difficultyissuetroubleworrycomplicationdifficult situationmessmuddlemix-upsnaghitchdrawbackstumbling blockobstaclehurdlehiccupsetbackcatchcatch-22vexed questionquandarythe rubpredicamentplightcan of wormshornets' nestGordian knotmisfortunemishapmisadventureinformal:dilemmaheadacheprobhasslepicklefixtight spotfly in the ointmenthow-do-you-dojobgremlinfacerkatzenjammerrare:nodus
   • 2. an inquiry starting from given conditions to investigate or demonstrate a fact, result, or law.
   • ▪ a proposition in which something has to be constructed.
   • ▪ (in chess) an arrangement of pieces in which the solver has to achieve a specified result.

   adjective

   • 1. denoting or relating to people whose behaviour causes difficulties to themselves and others: "practitioners help families develop strategies for managing problem behaviour in teens"
   • ▪ denoting or relating to people who have a habit or addiction that causes difficulties for themselves and others: "friends and family of problem drinkers often live every day with uncertainty, deceit, and emotional and physical abuse"

   Word Origin late Middle English (originally denoting a riddle or a question for academic discussion): from Old French probleme, via Latin from Greek problēma, from proballein ‘put forth’, from pro ‘before’ + ballein ‘to throw’.

   Scrabble Points: 13

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     3

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   • O

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   • L

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   • M

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