How to pronounce problem
Say it like PROB-lum. Problem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROB).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce problem. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈprɑbləm/PROB-lum
UK British/ˈprɒbləm/PROB-lum
- PROB
- lum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Problem pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PROBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- lumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of problem
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: PROB-lum.
What does problem mean?
noun
- a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved“she and her husband are having problems”“it is always a job to contact him”
- a question raised for consideration or solution“our homework consisted of ten problems to solve”
- a source of difficulty“one trouble after another delayed the job”“what's the problem?”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying problem
How do you pronounce problem?
Say PROB-lum. The American pronunciation is /ˈprɑbləm/. In British English it is /ˈprɒbləm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in problem?
Problem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PROB). Broken into parts: PROB · lum.
Is problem pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈprɒbləm/ (PROB-lum).