Words / C1

probl-uh-MAT-ik/ˌprɒbləˈmætɪk/

Problematic means causing difficulties, or unsatisfactory / not cleanly true: a problematic dataset, a problematic claim. Problem (already in the dictionary) is the noun; difficult is everyday; contentious is “argued over”. Do not footnote a broken join and carry on.

Meaning

Causing difficulties, or not satisfactory or certain.

Examples

• “A problematic join in the CSV is a halt, not a footnote.”
• “Difficult is everyday. Troublesome is a cousin. Problem is the noun already in this course. Problematic can also flag ethics or wording. A known broken join is a stop, not a vibe in the limitations paragraph.”

Good to know

Causing problems; unsatisfactory. Noun: problem (already in the dictionary). Everyday: difficult. A broken join is a halt.

Near in meaning

problem

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