problematic

The word “problematic” means causing difficulty, uncertainty, or concern; hard to resolve or accept. In plain terms, causing an issue or concern, whether practically or in terms of how it's perceived.

“Problematic” is pronounced prob-luh-MAT-ihk (/ˌpɹɑ.bləˈmæt.ɪk/ in IPA).

Here is “problematic” used in a sentence: “The new policy is problematic because it doesn't account for remote workers.”

Words with a similar meaning to “problematic” include difficult, troublesome, complicated, complex and involved.

The opposite of “problematic” — its antonyms — is unproblematic.

“Problematic” is an adjective.

The word “problematic” comes from Greek. From Greek problematikos, related to "problema" — the same root as "problem.".

“Problematic” is a fairly common word in modern English.

They mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably. "Problematic" is the far more common modern form, while "problematical" is a longer, somewhat old-fashioned variant.

"Difficult" stresses the effort or hardship involved in something, while "problematic" stresses that something raises problems, doubts, or concerns and is hard to resolve or accept. A task can be difficult without being problematic, and an idea can be problematic without being physically hard to do.

In recent usage, "problematic" frequently describes attitudes, statements, or content that people find ethically or socially concerning. This grows from its core meaning of something hard to accept and likely to cause difficulty or concern.

Common pairings include "problematic behaviour," "problematic assumption," "problematic relationship," and "problematic situation." In each case the word flags something that causes difficulty, uncertainty, or concern.