adj

problematic

prob-luh-MAT-ihk

adj

Causing difficulty, uncertainty, or concern; hard to resolve or accept.

"The new policy is problematic because it doesn't account for remote workers."

"His comments were widely seen as problematic on social media."

How to Use Problematic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCausing an issue or concern, whether practically or in terms of how it's perceived.

Common pairings

deeply problematic problematic behavior

more problematic comparative, problematics plural, most problematic superlative

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The new policy is _____ because it doesn't account for remote workers.

From Greek problematikos, related to "problema" — the same root as "problem."

difficult troublesome complicated complex involved

unproblematic

complex wanton difficult easy complicated complicate hinder troublesome

static aquatic fanatic hepatic erratic lunatic aromatic ecstatic operatic dramatic climatic emphatic

difficult troublesome complicated complex involved unproblematic wanton easy complicate hinder