Dictionary

1problematic

adjective prob·lem·at·ic \ˌprä-blə-ˈma-tik\

: difficult to understand, solve, or fix

Full Definition of PROBLEMATIC

1
a :  posing a problem :  difficult to solve or decide
b :  not definite or settled :  uncertain <their future remains problematic>
c :  open to question or debate :  questionable
2
:  expressing or supporting a possibility
prob·lem·at·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Variants of PROBLEMATIC

prob·lem·at·ic also prob·lem·at·i·cal \-ti-kəl\
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First Known Use of PROBLEMATIC

1609

Synonym Discussion of PROBLEMATIC

doubtful, dubious, problematic, questionable mean not affording assurance of the worth, soundness, or certainty of something. doubtful implies little more than a lack of conviction or certainty <doubtful about whether I said the right thing>. dubious stresses suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation <dubious about the practicality of the scheme>. problematic applies especially to things whose existence, meaning, fulfillment, or realization is highly uncertain <whether the project will ever be finished is problematic>. questionable may imply no more than the existence of doubt but usually suggests that the suspicions are well-grounded <a man of questionable honesty>.

2problematic

noun

Definition of PROBLEMATIC

:  something that is problematic :  a problematic aspect or concern

First Known Use of PROBLEMATIC

1957

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