Phrase guide

solution in search of a problem

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /səˈluːʃən ɪn ˈsɝt͡ʃ əv ə ˈpɹɑbləm/
  • Received-Pronunciation: /səˈl(j)uːʃən ɪn ˈsɜːt͡ʃ əv ə ˈpɹɒbləm/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A proposal that does not solve any problem or provide any value; or one that is intended to fill a need which does not really exist.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Some teachers complained that the new online grading software was a solution in search of a problem.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: solution looking for a problem

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

1 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: Lösung auf der Suche nach einem Problem — proposal to fix a problem which does not really exist