problematic

Definition

Posing a problem; having or suffering from problem(s):

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French problématique, from Late Latin problematicus, from Ancient Greek προβληματικός (problēmatikós), from πρόβλημα (próblēma, “outjutting, barrier, problem”), from προβάλλω (probállō, “I throw, place before”), from πρό (pró, “before”) + βάλλω (bállō, “I throw, place”). By surface analysis, problem + -atic.

Example Sentences

• "And the most problematic thing of all is that it is impossible for me even to know and tell you their names, unless one of them happens to be a playwright."
• "However, estimating what consumers will pay in the future is problematic."
• "The station is blessed with a cafe and staff accommodation, as it's an important crew changeover point, although this can be problematic when services are late."

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