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problemática

pro-ble-MAH-tee-kah/pɾo.βle.ˈma.ti.ka/

“problemática” means “set of problems” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

set of problems, issues

Also: problematic nature
NounfB2
A tangled ball of yarn with many knots and loose ends, representing a complex situation.

📝 In Action

Debemos analizar la problemática social de la ciudad.

B1

We must analyze the city's social issues.

La problemática del agua es una prioridad para el gobierno.

B2

The water situation/set of problems is a priority for the government.

Entender esta problemática requiere mucho tiempo y estudio.

C1

Understanding this complex set of problems requires a lot of time and study.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • solución (solution)
  • facilidad (ease/simplicity)

Common Collocations

  • abordar la problemática – to address the set of problems
  • la problemática actual – the current set of issues
  • una compleja problemática – a complex set of issues

problematic, difficult

Also: uncertain
A wobbly wooden chair with one leg much shorter than the others.

📝 In Action

Ella es una persona muy problemática.

A2

She is a very difficult/troublesome person.

Esta es una zona problemática por la noche.

B1

This is a problematic area at night.

La situación económica se volvió problemática.

B2

The economic situation became problematic.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • situación problemática – problematic situation
  • zona problemática – troubled area
  • actitud problemática – problematic attitude

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "problemática" in Spanish:

issues→problematic nature→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: problemática

Question 1 of 3

If you are talking about the complex issues involving world hunger, which word fits best?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
problema(problem) — Noun
problemático(problematic (masculine)) — Adjective
problematizar(to make something a problem) — Verb
problemilla(little problem) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
automáticagramáticamatemática
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Greek word 'problēma,' which traveled through Latin. The '-ática' ending was added in Spanish to turn it into a word that describes the whole 'science' or 'nature' of the problem.

First recorded: 18th century (in its modern abstract sense)

Cognates (Related words)

English: problematicFrench: problématiquePortuguese: problemática

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'problemática' the same as 'problema'?

Not exactly. A 'problema' is one single difficulty (like a flat tire). 'Problemática' is the whole set of issues surrounding a topic (like the 'problemática' of urban transport).

Can I use 'problemática' to describe a man?

No. If you are describing a man, you must use the masculine form: 'Él es un hombre problemático'.

Why do news anchors use 'problemática' so much?

It sounds more formal and comprehensive. It suggests they are talking about all the factors of a situation, not just one small part.