Found 12 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.
Something that makes a task hard
Nuance: Hard
Use when the main problem is that something is hard to do.
Boring
The problem was that we had only ten minutes left and the glue wouldn't dry.
Better
The difficulty was that we had only ten minutes left and the glue wouldn't dry.
A problem that needs attention
Nuance: Needs attention
Common and flexible word for a problem.
Boring
The problem was that our poster ripped right before we presented, so we had to tape it fast.
Better
The issue was that our poster ripped right before we presented, so we had to tape it fast.
A problem caused by an error
Nuance: Error
Use when the problem is an error you made.
Boring
The problem was closing the laptop before saving the file, so the work disappeared.
Better
The mistake was closing the laptop before saving the file, so the work disappeared.
A difficult situation (often a story)
Nuance: Difficult situation
Often used in stories; informal.
Boring
We ran into a problem when we missed the last train and our phones died.
Better
We ran into trouble when we missed the last train and our phones died.
A hard task you can work through
Nuance: Hard but doable
Often feels positive: hard but doable.
Boring
The problem was building a paper bridge that could hold a stack of coins.
Better
The challenge was building a paper bridge that could hold a stack of coins.
An extra problem that makes it harder
Nuance: Extra difficulty
Use when something adds difficulty on top of the main problem.
Boring
One problem was that the bus arrived late, so we missed the first activity.
Better
A complication was that the bus arrived late, so we missed the first activity.
A problem people worry about
Nuance: Worry
Use when the problem causes worry.
Boring
One problem is that too much trash ends up in the ocean, especially after storms.
Better
One concern is that too much trash ends up in the ocean, especially after storms.
A problem that blocks progress
Nuance: Blocks
Use when the problem blocks your goal.
Boring
The problem was the printer running out of ink five minutes before class ended.
Better
The obstacle was the printer running out of ink five minutes before class ended.
A problem that is a hard choice
Nuance: Hard choice
Use when you must choose between options.
Boring
Her problem was choosing between two electives she loved next semester.
Better
Her dilemma was choosing between two electives she loved next semester.
A problem that blocks progress (formal)
Nuance: Blocks progress
Formal; similar to obstacle but more advanced.
Boring
The biggest problem was the power going out halfway through the presentation.
Better
The biggest impediment was the power going out halfway through the presentation.
A tricky situation where you feel stuck
Nuance: Stuck
Use when someone feels stuck in a tough situation.
Boring
He was in a real problem when the car wouldn't start and he'd left his wallet at home.
Better
He was in a predicament when the car wouldn't start and he'd left his wallet at home.
A problem that slows progress
Nuance: Delay
Use for delays in progress.
Boring
The rainy weather was a problem for our outdoor practice, so we moved inside.
Better
The rainy weather was a setback for our outdoor practice, so we moved inside.