problematical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that poses a problem or is difficult to deal with. Example: "The new policy has proven to be quite problematical for our team, as it complicates our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, with this rivalry concealed under a power-sharing arrangement, and with the prospect of the Kurds getting new weapons from America, Turkey's fears of Kurdish strength are inflamed.American help for the non-Kurdish opposition groups is no less problematical.

The Economist

Yet, though overwhelmingly sympathetic, he also depicts the warts of this most problematical of Russian authors in more painful detail than previous scrutineers.In this section Relabelled The Cleopatra mystery Victorious A better ally?

The Economist

First, setting a benchmark often proves problematical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the doctrine seemed to make problematical the unity of God, it did provide an answer to the first of the two issues confronted by the church in its doctrine of the person of Christ the issue of Christ's relation to the Father.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The play's problematical hero is Kleist's finest figure, reflecting Kleist's own conflicts between heroism and cowardice, dreaming and action.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Conversely, the vaccine induces a certain number of adverse reactions, and the duration of the immunity it produces is problematical.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Throughout this period of 2,500 years the dating of most literary works is problematical; the difficulty is aggravated by the tendency to ascribe authorship to well-known or legendary names.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Palladio further developed the basic plan of his Palazzo Iseppo Porto in the Palazzo Thiene (c. 1545 50), Vicenza, the largest and most problematical of his palace designs, of which only the side and rear blocks were completed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Jewish critic Salomon Maimon contended that, though there are such things as a priori concepts (concepts that can be known independently of experience), their application to experience is always problematical, and whether they apply can be determined only through experience itself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Planned, no doubt, with a view to next year's centenary of the last tsar's abdication – and the far more problematical centenary, for today's Russia, of the Bolshevik revolution that followed – its publication also coincides with the BBC's much-praised, much-debated, dramatisation of War and Peace, as well as Lucy Worsley's series, Empire of the Tsars.

Independent

Manager Cullis, the stern disciplinarian who had presided over two title triumphs and an FA Cup win in the space of the previous four campaigns, shuffled his pack vigorously in an attempt to reverse the ominous trend and in January he drafted Thomson into a left-back slot that had proved particularly problematical.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "problematical" when you want to convey a sense of something being not only difficult but also possibly questionable or uncertain. It adds a layer of complexity compared to simply saying "difficult".

Common error

While "problematical" is a valid word, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using more straightforward synonyms like "problematic", "difficult", or "tricky" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "problematical" functions to qualify a noun, indicating that the noun is difficult, doubtful, or presents a problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid word, often used to express a complex or uncertain situation. The examples show its use in describing everything from political situations to literary works.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "problematical" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe something that presents a problem, is difficult to deal with, or is doubtful. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the word is valid and can be used confidently. While less common than its synonym "problematic", it carries a similar meaning, often implying a higher degree of uncertainty. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, lending itself well to formal and neutral communication styles. When writing, consider whether the slight nuance of "problematical"—emphasizing doubt alongside difficulty—is precisely the shade of meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problematic

More commonly used synonym, directly interchangeable in most contexts.

difficult

Indicates a challenge or obstacle.

doubtful

Indicates uncertainty or skepticism about something.

questionable

Suggests that something is open to doubt or challenge.

uncertain

Implies a lack of sureness or predictability.

tricky

Implies something requires careful handling to avoid problems.

ambiguous

Describes something that is open to more than one interpretation.

complex

Suggests intricacy and difficulty in understanding.

debatable

Open to discussion or argument.

contentious

Likely to cause disagreement or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "problematical" in a sentence?

You can use "problematical" to describe something that presents a problem or is difficult to deal with. For example, "The new policy has proven to be quite problematical for our team, as it complicates our workflow."

What's the difference between "problematical" and "problematic"?

"Problematical" and "problematic" are often used interchangeably, but "problematical" can sometimes imply a higher degree of doubt or uncertainty in addition to difficulty. "Problematic" is generally more common.

What are some alternatives to using "problematical"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "difficult", "doubtful", "questionable", or "complex".

Is it correct to use "problematical" in formal writing?

Yes, "problematical" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a valid and recognized word, although it may sound slightly more formal than "problematic". Consider your audience and the overall tone you wish to convey.