diamond problem

noun

The ambiguity that arises when two classes B and C inherit from A, and a further class D inherits from both B and C, so that if there is a method in A that B and/or C has overridden, and D does not override it, it is unclear which version of the method D should inherit.

Similar
deadly diamond of deathdreaded diamond
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Meanings

noundiamond problem (plural diamond problems)

plural diamond problems

  1. object-oriented programmingThe ambiguity that arises when two classes B and C inherit from A, and a further class D inherits from both B and C, so that if there is a method in A that B and/or C has overridden, and D does not override it, it is unclear which version of the method D should inherit.

    Synonyms: deadly diamond of death, dreaded diamond

Synonyms & antonyms

nounThe ambiguity that arises when two classes B and C inherit from A, and a further class D inherits from both B and C, so that if there is a method in A that B and/or C has overridden, and D does not override it, it is unclear which version of the method D should inherit.

Similar
deadly diamond of deathdreaded diamond

Origin

So called because a diagram of the classes has a diamond (quadrilateral) shape.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

diamond problem. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/diamond%20problem

MLA

“diamond problem.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/diamond%20problem. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “diamond problem,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/diamond%20problem.

Source: diamond problem on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.