Compilation of the best 100+ collocations with Problem

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When standing alone, Problem simply means “a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome”. However, when combined with other words, it forms numerous high-quality collocations. Let's discover the most common 100+ collocations with Problem compiled by PREP below!

Compilation of the best 100+ collocations with Problem

I. What is Problem?
II. How to Talk About a PROBLEM Like a Native Speaker
III. Exercises on collocations with Problem

I. What is Problem?

In English, Problem is pronounced as /ˈprɑː.bləm/ and functions as a noun, meaning: a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. For example:

Our main problem is lack of cash.
I'm having problems with my computer.

II. How to Talk About a PROBLEM Like a Native Speaker

Mastering collocations with problem requires understanding three fundamental aspects: how to describe the problem accurately, what actions to take when facing it, and which common errors to avoid. This systematic approach will give you the tools to any problem-related conversation with sophistication and clarity.

Compilation of Common Collocations with Problem

1. First, Describe the PROBLEM: Adjectives That Fit Perfectly

Choosing the right adjective transforms vague descriptions into precise communication. Native speakers don't just say "problem"—they paint a clear picture of exactly what kind of challenge they're facing.

1.1. Size and Severity: From Minor to Major

No.	Problem collocations & Pronunciation	Example
1	minor problem /ˈmaɪnər ˈprɒbləm/	The printer ran out of ink, but that's just a minor problem we can fix quickly.
2	major problem /ˈmeɪdʒər ˈprɒbləm/	The company faces a major problem with declining sales that threatens its future.
3	serious problem /ˈsɪəriəs ˈprɒbləm/	Climate change represents a serious problem that affects every corner of our planet.
4	massive problem /ˈmæsɪv ˈprɒbləm/	The city's massive problem with homelessness requires coordinated efforts from multiple organizations.
5	enormous problem /ɪˈnɔːməs ˈprɒbləm/	Managing waste in developing countries has become an enormous problem that demands innovative solutions.
6	huge problem /hjuːdʒ ˈprɒbləm/	The hospital faces a huge problem with staff shortages during flu season.
7	significant problem /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt ˈprɒbləm/	The school district has a significant problem with outdated textbooks.
8	substantial problem /səbˈstænʃəl ˈprɒbləm/	The bridge repairs revealed a substantial problem with the foundation.
9	tremendous problem /trɪˈmendəs ˈprɒbləm/	Rural areas face a tremendous problem accessing high-speed internet.
10	overwhelming problem /ˌəʊvəˈwelmɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	New parents often find sleep deprivation an overwhelming problem.
11	tiny problem /ˈtaɪni ˈprɒbləm/	Don't worry about the missing button—it's just a tiny problem we can solve easily.
12	small problem /smɔːl ˈprɒbləm/	The software update caused a small problem with file compatibility.
13	big problem /bɪɡ ˈprɒbləm/	Traffic congestion has become a big problem in most metropolitan areas.
14	gigantic problem /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk ˈprɒbləm/	The company faces a gigantic problem with product recalls affecting millions of units.
15	colossal problem /kəˈlɒsəl ˈprɒbləm/	The government struggles with a colossal problem of national debt.

1.2. Nature and Characteristics: What Kind of Problem?

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
16	real problem /riːl ˈprɒbləm/	Traffic congestion in downtown areas has become a real problem affecting thousands of commuters daily.
17	common problem /ˈkɒmən ˈprɒbləm/	Procrastination is a common problem among students preparing for important exams.
18	complex problem /ˈkɒmpleks ˈprɒbləm/	Poverty is a complex problem that requires addressing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities simultaneously.
19	recurring problem /rɪˈkɜːrɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	The software has a recurring problem with crashes that frustrates users and developers alike.
20	fundamental problem /ˌfʌndəˈmentəl ˈprɒbləm/	The team's fundamental problem lies in poor communication between departments.
21	chronic problem /ˈkrɒnɪk ˈprɒbləm/	The hospital has a chronic problem with understaffing that affects patient care.
22	persistent problem /pəˈsɪstənt ˈprɒbləm/	The persistent problem of water leakage requires immediate professional attention.
23	urgent problem /ˈɜːdʒənt ˈprɒbləm/	The urgent problem of cyber security threats demands immediate action from all departments.
24	immediate problem /ɪˈmiːdiət ˈprɒbləm/	The power outage created an immediate problem for the medical equipment.
25	pressing problem /ˈpresɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	Climate change remains the most pressing problem facing humanity today.
26	practical problem /ˈpræktɪkəl ˈprɒbləm/	The practical problem of parking space affects every office worker downtown.
27	technical problem /ˈteknɪkəl ˈprɒbləm/	The rocket launch was delayed due to a technical problem with the navigation system.
28	financial problem /faɪˈnænʃəl ˈprɒbləm/	Many students face financial problems while pursuing higher education.
29	political problem /pəˈlɪtɪkəl ˈprɒbləm/	The proposed tax increase has created a political problem for the ruling party.
30	social problem /ˈsəʊʃəl ˈprɒbləm/	Unemployment has become a serious social problem affecting entire communities.

2. Next, Take Action on the PROBLEM: Verbs for Every Stage

Learning verb collocations in chronological order mirrors real-life problem-solving processes. This natural progression helps you remember these combinations while providing a complete toolkit for any situation.

2.1. Encountering the Problem: Recognition and Discovery

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
31	encounter a problem /ɪnˈkaʊntər ə ˈprɒbləm/	We encountered a problem with the reservation system when trying to book our vacation.
32	face a problem /feɪs ə ˈprɒbləm/	Small businesses face problems with cash flow during economic downturns.
33	identify a problem /aɪˈdentɪfaɪ ə ˈprɒbləm/	The first step in improving customer service is to identify problems in our current processes.
34	discover a problem /dɪsˈkʌvər ə ˈprɒbləm/	During the inspection, engineers discovered a problem with the building's foundation.
35	spot a problem /spɒt ə ˈprɒbləm/	Experienced managers can spot problems before they become serious threats to productivity.
36	detect a problem /dɪˈtekt ə ˈprɒbləm/	The new software can detect problems in the network before they cause system failures.
37	notice a problem /ˈnəʊtɪs ə ˈprɒbləm/	Customers quickly notice problems with website loading speed and abandon their purchases.
38	recognize a problem /ˈrekəɡnaɪz ə ˈprɒbləm/	The company finally recognized the problem with their outdated marketing strategy.
39	realize a problem /ˈriːəlaɪz ə ˈprɒbləm/	We realized the problem only after receiving numerous customer complaints.
40	uncover a problem /ʌnˈkʌvər ə ˈprɒbləm/	The audit uncovered serious problems with the accounting procedures.

2.2. Working on the Problem: Analysis and Effort

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
41	analyze a problem /ˈænəlaɪz ə ˈprɒbləm/	The research team spent months analyzing the problem of declining bee populations worldwide.
42	tackle a problem /ˈtækəl ə ˈprɒbləm/	The new mayor promised to tackle problems with public transportation immediately after taking office.
43	address a problem /əˈdres ə ˈprɒbləm/	The conference aims to address problems facing modern education systems.
44	work on a problem /wɜːk ɒn ə ˈprɒbləm/	Scientists have been working on this problem for decades without finding a complete cure.
45	handle a problem /ˈhændəl ə ˈprɒbləm/	Experienced customer service representatives know how to handle problems with grace and efficiency.
46	deal with a problem /diːl wɪð ə ˈprɒbləm/	The management team needs to deal with problems arising from the recent restructuring.
47	approach a problem /əˈprəʊtʃ ə ˈprɒbləm/	Different cultures approach problems with varying perspectives and methodologies.
48	examine a problem /ɪɡˈzæmɪn ə ˈprɒbləm/	The committee will examine the problem thoroughly before making any recommendations.
49	investigate a problem /ɪnˈvestɪɡeɪt ə ˈprɒbləm/	The technical team is investigating the problem with the server connectivity.
50	study a problem /ˈstʌdi ə ˈprɒbləm/	Researchers have been studying this problem for years to understand its root causes.
51	explore a problem /ɪkˈsplɔːr ə ˈprɒbləm/	The workshop encourages participants to explore problems from multiple perspectives.
52	consider a problem /kənˈsɪdər ə ˈprɒbləm/	Before making decisions, we must consider all problems that might arise.
53	discuss a problem /dɪsˈkʌs ə ˈprɒbləm/	The team meets weekly to discuss problems and potential solutions.
54	evaluate a problem /ɪˈvæljueɪt ə ˈprɒbləm/	Management must evaluate each problem based on its impact and urgency.
55	assess a problem /əˈses ə ˈprɒbləm/	The consultant was hired to assess problems within the organization.

2.3. Solving the Problem: Resolution and Success

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
56	solve a problem /sɒlv ə ˈprɒbləm/	The engineering team solved the problem by redesigning the entire cooling system.
57	fix a problem /fɪks ə ˈprɒbləm/	The IT department worked overnight to fix the problem with the server network.
58	resolve a problem /rɪˈzɒlv ə ˈprɒbləm/	Mediation helped both parties resolve their problem without going to court.
59	overcome a problem /ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ə ˈprɒbləm/	With determination and support, she overcame her problem with public speaking.
60	eliminate a problem /ɪˈlɪmɪneɪt ə ˈprɒbləm/	The new software update eliminated the problem of frequent system crashes.
61	correct a problem /kəˈrekt ə ˈprɒbləm/	The quality control team quickly corrected the problem with the manufacturing process.
62	remedy a problem /ˈremədi ə ˈprɒbləm/	The doctor prescribed medication to remedy the patient's sleep problem.
63	cure a problem /kjʊər ə ˈprɒbləm/	Scientists hope to cure the problem of antibiotic resistance through new research.
64	clear up a problem /klɪər ʌp ə ˈprɒbləm/	A simple explanation cleared up the problem of miscommunication between departments.
65	sort out a problem /sɔːt aʊt ə ˈprɒbləm/	The manager promised to sort out the problem with the delivery schedule.

3. Additional Problem-Related Actions and States

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
66	create a problem /kriˈeɪt ə ˈprɒbləm/	The new policy inadvertently created problems for small business owners.
67	cause a problem /kɔːz ə ˈprɒbləm/	Heavy rainfall can cause serious problems for outdoor construction projects.
68	pose a problem /pəʊz ə ˈprɒbləm/	The language barrier poses a significant problem for international students.
69	present a problem /prɪˈzent ə ˈprɒbləm/	The steep terrain presents a major problem for the construction crew.
70	raise a problem /reɪz ə ˈprɒbləm/	The employee raised an important problem during the staff meeting.
71	bring up a problem /brɪŋ ʌp ə ˈprɒbləm/	She decided to bring up the problem with the new scheduling system.
72	have a problem /hæv ə ˈprɒbləm/	Many teenagers have problems with time management and organization.
73	experience a problem /ɪkˈspɪəriəns ə ˈprɒbləm/	Customers who experience problems with our service receive immediate assistance.
74	run into a problem /rʌn ˈɪntə ə ˈprɒbləm/	We ran into a serious problem when the main supplier canceled our order.
75	come across a problem /kʌm əˈkrɒs ə ˈprɒbləm/	While reviewing the files, we came across a problem with the data accuracy.
76	avoid a problem /əˈvɔɪd ə ˈprɒbləm/	Regular maintenance helps avoid costly problems with industrial equipment.
77	prevent a problem /prɪˈvent ə ˈprɒbləm/	Proper training can prevent many problems in workplace safety.
78	ignore a problem /ɪɡˈnɔːr ə ˈprɒbləm/	Ignoring the problem will only make the situation worse over time.
79	overlook a problem /ˌəʊvəˈlʊk ə ˈprɒbləm/	The inspection team somehow overlooked the problem with the electrical wiring.
80	minimize a problem /ˈmɪnɪmaɪz ə ˈprɒbləm/	The spokesperson tried to minimize the problem by downplaying its significance.

4. Problem States and Conditions

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
81	ongoing problem /ˈɒnɡəʊɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	The ongoing problem with staff turnover affects productivity across all departments.
82	underlying problem /ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	The underlying problem stems from inadequate funding for public schools.
83	deep-seated problem /diːp ˈsiːtɪd ˈprɒbləm/	Racial inequality represents a deep-seated problem requiring systemic change.
84	widespread problem /ˈwaɪdspred ˈprɒbləm/	Internet fraud has become a widespread problem affecting millions of users globally.
85	growing problem /ˈɡrəʊɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	Cyberbullying is a growing problem in schools across the country.
86	escalating problem /ˈeskəleɪtɪŋ ˈprɒbləm/	The escalating problem of drug addiction requires comprehensive intervention strategies.
87	potential problem /pəˈtenʃəl ˈprɒbləm/	Weather forecasters identified several potential problems for the outdoor festival.
88	obvious problem /ˈɒbviəs ˈprɒbləm/	The obvious problem with the plan is lack of sufficient funding.
89	hidden problem /ˈhɪdən ˈprɒbləm/	The audit revealed hidden problems in the company's financial reporting.
90	unexpected problem /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd ˈprɒbləm/	An unexpected problem with customs delayed the shipment by three weeks.

5. Final Common Collocations with Problem

No.	Phrase & Pronunciation	Example
91	unsolvable problem /ʌnˈsɒlvəbəl ˈprɒbləm/	Many philosophers consider consciousness an unsolvable problem for science.
92	intractable problem /ɪnˈtræktəbəl ˈprɒbləm/	Poverty remains an intractable problem despite decades of government intervention.
93	manageable problem /ˈmænɪdʒəbəl ˈprɒbləm/	With proper planning, this crisis becomes a manageable problem.
94	temporary problem /ˈtempərəri ˈprɒbləm/	The server downtime is just a temporary problem that should resolve within hours.
95	permanent problem /ˈpɜːmənənt ˈprɒbləm/	Without intervention, this environmental damage could become a permanent problem.
96	costly problem /ˈkɒstli ˈprɒbləm/	Equipment failure can be a costly problem for manufacturing companies.
97	difficult problem /ˈdɪfɪkəlt ˈprɒbləm/	Balancing work and family life remains a difficult problem for many professionals.
98	simple problem /ˈsɪmpəl ˈprɒbləm/	What seemed complicated turned out to be a simple problem with an easy solution.
99	complicated problem /ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd ˈprɒbləm/	International trade disputes create complicated problems requiring diplomatic solutions.
100	global problem /ˈɡləʊbəl ˈprɒbləm/	Climate change is a global problem that requires coordinated international action.
101	local problem /ˈləʊkəl ˈprɒbləm/	Traffic congestion is primarily a local problem that each city must address individually.
102	personal problem /ˈpɜːsənəl ˈprɒbləm/	She preferred to keep her financial difficulties as a personal problem.

For further reference on collocations with Problem, you can also visit the link below!

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III. Exercises on collocations with Problem

To gain a better understanding of collocations with Problem, let's complete the following exercises together!

Exercise: Choose the correct answer

The struggle for equality has been an _______ that societies have grappled with throughout history.
1. Age-old problem
2. Deep-seated problem
3. Dental problem
Drunk driving is a serious _______ that leads to numerous accidents and fatalities each year.
1. Circulatory problem
2. Alcohol-related problem
3. Chronic problem
Implementing new technology often comes with _______, such as compatibility issues and training requirements.
1. Complex problem
2. Budgetary problem
3. Attendant problems
The child's aggressive behavior in class was identified as a _______ that required intervention and support from school counselors.
1. Behavioral problem
2. Age-old problem
3. Budgetary problem
Climate change is a _______ that requires immediate and collective action from governments, industries, and individuals worldwide.
1. Big problem
2. Circulatory problem
3. Alcohol-related problem

Answers:

1 - A

2 - B

3 - C

4 - A

5 - A

The journey from recognizing collocations with problem to using them naturally takes practice, but the investment transforms your English expression dramatically. These 102 combinations provide the foundation for articulate, precise communication that distinguishes advanced speakers from intermediate learners. Start incorporating these collocations with problem into your daily conversations, and watch your confidence soar as you express yourself with the precision and fluency of a native speaker.

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