Problem-Solving Vocabulary

adjective describes a noun or pronoun, in this case, 'challenging' describes something that is difficult and requires effort or skill

• The project presented many challenging obstacles that required innovative solutions.
• I find sudoku puzzles to be quite challenging, but also very rewarding.
• Dude, that skateboarding trick is so challenging, you gotta try it!
• Overcoming the loss of a loved one can be one of the most challenging mountains to climb in life.

verb to think about carefully; to take into account

adjective regarded as; thought to be

• The proposal is being considered by the board of directors.
• I'm considering going on a vacation next month.
• I never even considered that option before.
• Her words should be considered as a warning sign.

noun A person who designs, builds, or maintains engines, machines, or structures

• The engineer was responsible for designing the new bridge.
• My friend who's an engineer just got a promotion at work.
• That dude is a total gearhead, always tinkering with engines.
• She's the engineer behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly.

verb to make an action or process easier or more efficient

• The new software system is designed to facilitate communication between different departments.
• Using this app will facilitate our group project planning.
• Let's use this tool to make things easier and facilitate the process.
• His guidance will facilitate your journey towards success.

noun a small but very annoying problem or flaw that spoils something valuable or important

• The lack of funding was the fly in the ointment for the new research project.
• The noisy neighbors are the fly in the ointment of our peaceful evenings.
• Her negative attitude is always the fly in the ointment when we make plans.
• The unexpected rain was the fly in the ointment on our otherwise perfect picnic.

noun the ability to predict or the action of predicting what will happen or be needed in the future

• His foresight in investing early in the company paid off handsomely.
• Thanks to his foresight, we were able to avoid a major crisis.
• Who would've thought his foresight would save our butts?
• Her foresight was like a guiding light in the darkness of uncertainty.

verb the action of forming an opinion or estimate without sufficient information or knowledge

• Based on the evidence provided, I am guessing that the project will be completed by next month.
• I'm guessing we'll have to reschedule the meeting since no one has shown up yet.
• I'm guessing we'll be hitting the beach this weekend, right?
• She was guessing at the answer, hoping to get it right.

noun a situation causing difficulty or trouble

verb to bother or annoy someone

• Dealing with paperwork can be a hassle when applying for a loan.
• Ugh, going to the DMV is such a hassle.
• I can't be bothered with all the hassle of waiting in line.
• Trying to please everyone is a hassle that never ends.

adjective describing someone or something that is persistent and determined in demanding or insisting on something

• The insistent knocking on the door made me wonder who could be so persistent.
• She was insistent on getting her way no matter what.
• My mom is so insistent about me cleaning my room, it's annoying.
• The insistent rain tapped on the window, creating a soothing rhythm.

verb The action of directing one's gaze upward or in a higher position.

preposition Used to indicate improvement or a positive change in a situation.

• I have been looking up information on the company's financial performance.
• I've been looking up new recipes to try for dinner.
• I'm always looking up cool stuff on the internet.
• Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic and kept looking up for inspiration.

adjective able to be managed or dealt with; achievable

• The project timeline is tight, but it is still manageable with proper planning.
• Don't worry, the workload is manageable if we work together as a team.
• I thought the assignment would be tough, but it's actually pretty manageable.
• She juggles so many responsibilities, but somehow she makes it all look manageable.

verb to manage or deal with a situation in a somewhat disorganized or unskilled manner

• Despite facing numerous obstacles, the team managed to muddle through and complete the project on time.
• I didn't study for the exam, but I think I can just muddle through it.
• I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'll just try to muddle through and hope for the best.
• Life can be challenging at times, but we always find a way to muddle through and come out stronger on the other side.

verb to prevent or avoid (something undesirable); to make unnecessary

• The new software system was designed to obviate the need for manual data entry.
• Using a calculator can obviate the need for mental math.
• Wearing a hat can obviate a bad hair day.
• His quick thinking obviated a potential disaster.

adjective A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun. In this case, 'obvious' describes something that is easily seen or understood.

• The solution to the problem was quite obvious once we analyzed the data.
• It's pretty obvious that she has a crush on him.
• Dude, it's like, totally obvious that he's lying.
• The elephant in the room was so obvious, yet no one wanted to address it.

adverb used to indicate that something is clearly apparent or easily understood

• Obviously, the results of the experiment were inconclusive.
• Well, obviously I'm going to the party tonight.
• Duh, obviously he's not going to show up.
• Her smile was like sunshine, obviously brightening up the room.

noun a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome

verb not applicable

adjective not applicable

adverb not applicable

pronoun not applicable

preposition not applicable

conjunction not applicable

interjection not applicable

article not applicable

• The company is facing a significant problem with their supply chain management.
• I can't figure out how to solve this math problem.
• I've got 99 problems, but this ain't one.
• Sometimes life throws us a curveball, but it's just another problem to solve.

noun the mental process of thinking about something in a logical way in order to form a conclusion or judgement

verb None

adjective None

adverb None

pronoun None

preposition None

conjunction None

interjection None

article None

• The professor's reasoning behind his theory was based on extensive research and analysis.
• I don't understand your reasoning for quitting your job out of the blue.
• Her reasoning for ghosting him was pretty shady if you ask me.
• The artist's reasoning for choosing such bold colors in her painting was to evoke strong emotions in the viewer.

adjective describing the state of being fixed in place or unable to move

preposition indicating that something is attached or adhering to something else

• The engineer was stuck on a difficult problem with the new design.
• I'm stuck on level 5 of this game and can't figure out how to pass it.
• I'm totally stuck on this math homework, can you help me out?
• She's been stuck on her ex-boyfriend for months and can't seem to move on.

noun a device or mechanism for seizing, holding, or moving something

verb to deal with (a problem or difficult task) in a determined or efficient way

• The team devised a strategic plan to tackle the issue of declining sales.
• Let's tackle this project together and get it done by the end of the day.
• I'm going to tackle that math homework like a boss.
• She knew she had to tackle her fears head-on in order to move forward in life.

noun a means of exit or escape

adjective referring to something that is located far away or distant

• The emergency exit is the designated way out in case of a fire.
• Let's find a way out of this boring party.
• I need to bounce, gotta find a way out of this situation.
• She couldn't see a way out of her troubles until she sought help.

noun a task or activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result

verb to perform a task or activity involving mental or physical effort in order to achieve a purpose or result

preposition used to indicate the object or goal of an action or activity

• I will work on the project proposal and have it ready for review by Friday.
• I've been working on fixing my car all weekend.
• I need to work on my dance moves before the party.
• She needs to work on her communication skills to be a better team player.

adjective describing something that can be satisfied or fulfilled

• The mathematical equation is satisfiable when there exists an assignment of values that makes it true.
• I finally found a solution that makes the problem satisfiable.
• Dude, I cracked the code and made it satisfiable!
• Her smile was the missing piece that made his heart satisfiable.

noun a problem

verb shared, halved

adjective shared, halved

article a

• It is often said that a problem shared is a problem halved, meaning that discussing your issues with someone can make them easier to handle.
• Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved, so don't hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
• Hey, you know what they say - a problem shared is a problem halved. So spill the beans and let's figure this out together.
• Just like they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. Sometimes all it takes is talking it out to make things feel lighter.

noun a game or toy designed to test ingenuity or knowledge

verb to solve or figure out something through careful thought or analysis

• She spent hours trying to puzzle through the complex mathematical problem.
• I'm trying to puzzle through this jigsaw puzzle, but it's harder than I thought.
• I can't puzzle through why he keeps canceling our plans at the last minute.
• He had to puzzle through his feelings before deciding to end the relationship.

noun a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea

verb a word that expresses an action or a state of being

preposition a word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence

article a word that is used to specify a noun as definite or indefinite

• The project manager worked diligently to iron out the kinks in the new software system.
• Let's meet tomorrow to iron out the kinks in our presentation.
• We need to get together and iron out the kinks in our plan.
• Life has a way of throwing curveballs, but we always find a way to iron out the kinks.

adverb An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this case, 'constructively' describes how something is done in a positive and helpful manner.

• During the meeting, we need to discuss the project constructively to come up with the best solution.
• Let's try to give feedback constructively so we can improve our work.
• Stop criticizing others and start giving feedback constructively.
• Just like building a house, we need to work constructively to achieve our goals.

noun a blend of the words 'adapt' and 'aptitude', referring to the ability to adapt quickly and effectively

• Her adaptitude for learning new languages quickly impressed her professors.
• His adaptitude for fixing things around the house saved us a lot of money on repairs.
• I wish I had your adaptitude for getting out of awkward situations!
• His adaptitude for navigating social situations was like a superpower.