I rarely use the word problem. On the rare occasions it slips through my vocabulary filter, I’m quick to correct myself and point out that I actually meant challenge. That’s mostly because challenge has a much more positive connotation than problem. A challenge suggests an opportunity to grow, learn, and find solutions, while a problem is often seen as something negative and difficult to deal with.
Problem vs. Challenge
Like me, most people claim that the words problem and challenge carry significant differences in meaning and context. Despite this, I find that problem is far more commonly used in everyday speech, even when it often refers to something that’s really just a small challenge.
By choosing the right word — either problem or challenge — we can create a more positive and productive approach to situations. The language we use affects how we think about and handle different scenarios. That’s why I was surprised when even ChatGPT gave examples of problems that I would simply call challenges, when I asked about the difference between the two words.
Problem: A problem is a difficult situation or obstacle that requires a solution. It’s often something negative that causes frustration, hinders progress, or threatens a desired outcome.
Examples of problems:
- A computer that crashes
- A car that won’t start
- A conflict between two colleagues
- An illness that requires treatment
Challenge: A challenge is an opportunity for growth, learning, or improvement. It’s something positive that requires effort, skill, and perseverance to overcome. Challenges can create feelings of excitement, motivation, and satisfaction when overcome.
Examples of challenges:
- Learning a new language
- Climbing a mountain
- Starting a business
- Overcoming a personal fear
Key differences:
- Focus: A problem focuses on the negative effect of a situation, while a challenge focuses on the opportunity for growth and learning.
- Solution vs. Overcoming: A problem needs to be fixed or resolved, while a challenge needs to be overcome through effort and skill.
- Emotion: A problem can cause frustration, stress, and anxiety, while a challenge can bring excitement, motivation, and fulfillment.
When should you use “problem” vs. “challenge”?
- Problem: Use problem when describing a negative situation that requires a solution — for example, a technical failure or a conflict.
- Challenge: Use challenge when describing an opportunity for growth or improvement — for example, a new task or an ambitious goal.
In addition to the differences mentioned above, it’s worth noting that challenge tends to carry a more positive connotation in Norwegian compared to problem. This might explain why challenge is more commonly used in marketing and self-development, while problem is more often used in technical or professional contexts.
Positive mindset
I have a positive mindset and believe we should strive to avoid using the word problem as much as possible, and I definitely disagree with the definition the AI tool gave me.
A computer crash is a challenge that can be solved.
A car that won’t start presents challenges in terms of either fixing it or finding out how to get where you need to go using alternative transportation.
A conflict between colleagues is definitely a challenge that needs to be resolved before it turns into a problem.
To me, it’s simple: a problem is something that can’t be solved and will have consequences you can’t handle without affecting something else, while a challenge is anything that can be resolved within reason. For instance, a car that won’t start is only a problem if it’s your only transportation and you can’t drop your kids off at daycare, which means you have to stay home and miss work.
No matter which word you choose, it’s important to be aware of the nuances and use the word that best reflects the situation.
What about you – do you say “problem” or “challenge”? And why? Drop a comment and share how you see it!
