-blem +

1. Something that visually symbolizes an object, idea, group, or quality.
2. A badge or sign that represents a person, group, or organization.
3. An allegorical picture, often with a motto, used to illustrate a moral lesson.
4. Etymology: from French embleme, "symbol"; from Latin emblema, "inlaid ornamental work"; from Greek emblema, emblematos, "embossed ornament"; literally, "insertion"; from emballein, "to insert"; literally, "to throw in"; from em-, "in" + ballein, "to throw".

1. A question or situation that presents doubt, uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty.
2. A question proposed for solution or discussion.
3. In mathematics: A statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
4. Someone who is difficult to deal with.
5. Difficult to train or guide; unruly; such as, a problem child.
6. In literature: Dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large.
7. "No problem", used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude.
8. Etymology: "a difficult question proposed for solution", from Old French problème (14c.); from Latin problema, from Greek problema, "a problem, a question"; literally, "thing put forward"; from proballein, "propose"; from pro-, "forward" + ballein, "to throw".

1. A reference to the doubtful, uncertain, or questionable nature of a condition or a situation: Economic claims for future investments are often problematic presentations that do not turn out to be accurate.
2. Pertaining to a problem; difficult to solve: A repair of Karen's car proved more problematic than first expected.
3. Not settled; unresolved or dubious: Jonathan has a problematic future as a computer expert.
4. Etymology: from Greek problematikos and from Latin problematicus, "relating to a problem." © ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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1. Posing a problen.
2. Open to doubt; debatable.
3. Making great mental demands.
4. Hard to comprehend or solve.

In such a way as to pose a problem.

To propose problems.

Things that cause difficulties or those things that are hard to deal with.

Easy and not involved or complicated; uncomplicated: "It was an unproblematic solution to the situation."