How to Use problematic in a Sentence

problematic

adjective
  • Rules of grammar are more problematic for non-native speakers.
  • The push to reassess problematic species names isn’t new.
    Asher Elbein, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 June 2023
  • In the Karate Kid films, Johnny is the problematic rich kid who bullies Daniel.
    Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 2 July 2023
  • Fords use the front driver’s side, but not right at the corner, which can be problematic.
    Brad Templeton, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
  • One of the most prevalent and problematic is called blue-green algae.
    Sarah Bowman, The Indianapolis Star, 30 May 2023
  • It’s just always been present and problematic, but not in the way where jobs are being lost, homes are being lost.
    Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 23 Aug. 2023
  • The beetle also is problematic in some parts of the river basin, such as the Grand Canyon and in central Arizona.
    Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 30 June 2023
  • The only caveats could be the extended wait time and initial chalky white cast, which could prove problematic for those in a rush or with very dark hair.
    Erika Reals, Peoplemag, 31 Aug. 2023
  • And there was something deeply, morally problematic for me with that.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2024
  • Last year, the Yeezy deal imploded due to the rapper’s public problematic views.
    Essence Fashion Editors, Essence, 21 July 2023
  • The tour thundered across Britain, launching with a high-profile but problematic show at London’s Earl’s Court that was plagued by poor sound and a too-low stage.
    Jem Aswad, Variety, 3 July 2023
  • The more problematic one child is, the more invisible the other child becomes.
    Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024
  • But turning the company around proved problematic, and it was sold.
    Sam Roberts, New York Times, 8 June 2023
  • The garden is mostly flat, with a patio and a couple of trees to mow around which proved problematic for some other mowers.
    Kat De Naoum, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 June 2023
  • Where everything could become problematic is if the Blazers seek out a trade package from a team not based in South Beach.
    Afentres, oregonlive, 6 July 2023
  • Indeed, the Prigozhin revolt is a stark reminder that alternatives to Putin might be equally if not more problematic for Ukraine and the West.
    Samuel Charap, Foreign Affairs, 13 July 2023
  • The study, which will take three years to complete, will review body camera footage from roughly 1,000 traffic stops for problematic word choice or tone.
    Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023
  • There is also more problematic content on the site overall.
    Max Hoppenstedt, Washington Post, 16 Sep. 2023
  • This can be problematic for individuals who need to pass a drug test or for those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of Delta-8 THC.
    Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2023
  • Cast members such as Donald Glover have spoken out in the past about Chase’s problematic set behavior.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 26 Sep. 2023
  • Well, these orders of evacuation happening in the Gaza Strip are, of course, problematic for us.
    CBS News, 29 Oct. 2023
  • Heeled shoes with a narrow toe box—like loafers or dress shoes—are especially problematic.
    Brad Lanphear, Men's Health, 1 July 2023
  • But investing too much of your identity in your job can be problematic.
    Michael Errigo, Washington Post, 13 June 2023
  • Users can ask the chatbot questions, write poetry or prod it for more problematic content.
    Stuart A. Thompson, New York Times, 8 July 2023
  • The actual incidents that Doughty cites make the ruling even more problematic.
    Rob Pegoraro, The New Republic, 7 July 2023
  • The problematic behaviors described in the surveys are similar to those detailed by our sources.
    Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 7 Nov. 2023
  • The wild card, still, was Fabian, whose inclusion was quickly deemed problematic by the Department of Justice.
    Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Dec. 2023
  • That many civilian deaths in a relatively short war would be problematic in any context.
    Thomas L. Friedman, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024
  • The administration responds that none of the actions the states complain about come close to problematic coercion.
    Mark Sherman, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2024
  • Impella heart pumps were first cleared for use in 2008, and their use was contested among cardiologists even before the recent spate of problematic reports.
    Christina Jewett, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'problematic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Last Updated: