problem solving
4 synonyms for problem solving, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The process of working out how to deal with a difficulty: understanding what is wrong, thinking through the options and putting a workable solution into practice.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use problem solving
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
problem-solving skills
creative problem solving
collaborative problem solving
approach to problem solving
Neutral, though very common in CVs, job adverts and education. Hyphenate before a noun (problem-solving skills), leave open as a noun (good at problem solving).
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between problem solving and decision making?
Problem solving is the whole process of diagnosing an issue and generating possible fixes. Decision making is the narrower step of choosing between the options once you have them. You often make several decisions inside a single problem-solving effort.
What are the main steps in problem solving?
Most models come down to five: define the problem clearly, gather relevant information, generate possible solutions, choose and implement one, then check whether it actually worked. The last step is the one most often skipped.
