B2adjectiveformalacademicsociety
US/ˌprɑː.bləˈmæt.ɪk/
UK/ˌprɒb.ləˈmæt.ɪk/
difficult to deal with, or likely to cause problems
In context
The data from the second experiment was problematic and had to be checked again.
Some critics find the writer's views on history deeply problematic.
Parking is problematic in the city center during the festival.
Words that go with problematic
verb + adjective
- prove problematicThe new system proved problematic from the start.
- become problematicNoise from the road can become problematic at night.
- seem problematicSome of the questions seemed problematic to the students.
adverb + adjective
- potentially problematicUsing single-use plastic is potentially problematic.
- highly problematicThe results are highly problematic for the theory.
- particularly problematicLong working hours are particularly problematic for nurses.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This is a problematic.Correct: This is a problem.