a crippling problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crippling problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant issue that severely hinders progress or functioning in a particular context. Example: "The company faced a crippling problem with its outdated technology, which affected productivity and employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They explained that book discovery is a crippling problem for publishers (as data has shown).

The New Yorker

But mayors long ago recognized teenage pregnancy as a crippling problem of poverty.

The New York Times

Gridlock is not yet a crippling problem in Guangzhou, or in many smaller cities across the country.

The New York Times

This is not an issue for mutuals with a healthy capitalisation, but it can become a crippling problem for those in need of new money.

The Economist

United Nations officials call this a "lack of capacity" and say it could be a crippling problem for an independent southern Sudan.

The New York Times

Corruption is not a crippling problem here, as it is in neighboring Kenya, or in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, two African nations blessed with staggering amounts of resources but suffering from the so-called resource curse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

This is not just unsustainable; it is a potentially crippling problem that limits our flexibility as an economy and our ability to respond to future crises.

Forbes

My student engineers and I have run into a little crippling problem with the prototype light concentrator array we're building: the bare solar cells are too fragile to handle.

TechCrunch

But there was a potentially crippling problem: One of the biggest rebel groups in Syria, the Salafist brigade Ahrar al-Sham, withdrew from the proceedings just as they were concluding, leaving the negotiators without a key player.

Vice

As many as half of the loans held by China's four biggest banks -- Agricultural Bank of China, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank and the Bank of China -- are delinquent, a rate three times that of the crippling problem in Japan.

The New York Times

Rahul Gandhi, the vice-president of the party, tweeted: "Punjab has a crippling drug problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a crippling problem", ensure that the severity of the problem is significant and has a lasting negative impact. For instance, "The lack of funding posed "a crippling problem" for the research project."

Common error

Avoid using "a crippling problem" for minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase should be reserved for issues with substantial and lasting consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crippling problem" functions as a noun phrase, where 'crippling' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'problem'. It describes the problem as having a severe, limiting effect. Ludwig AI confirms this usage aligns with standard grammar and provides real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crippling problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a severe and debilitating issue. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, it's essential to accurately represent the severity of the issue, reserving it for situations with substantial and lasting consequences. Be cautious about overstating the severity, and consider using alternative phrases like "a severe issue" or "a major obstacle" when a less emphatic tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a paralyzing difficulty

Similar to "crippling", but with a focus on complete inactivity or inability to act.

a severe issue

Replaces "crippling" with a more general term, focusing on the seriousness of the problem.

a major obstacle

Shifts the focus to the hindering aspect of the problem.

a significant challenge

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the problem.

a serious setback

Highlights the delaying effect of the problem.

a devastating blow

Focuses on the destructive impact of the problem.

a fundamental flaw

Pinpoints the problem as an inherent weakness.

a difficult predicament

Emphasizes the challenging and uncertain nature of the situation.

a thorny issue

Highlights the complexity and unpleasantness of the problem.

an intractable dilemma

Focuses on the seemingly unsolvable nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "a crippling problem" in a sentence?

Use "a crippling problem" to describe a situation that severely hinders progress or functionality. For example, "The company's outdated infrastructure presented "a crippling problem" for its expansion plans."

What can I say instead of "a crippling problem"?

You can use alternatives like "a severe issue", "a major obstacle", or "a significant challenge" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a crippling problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "a crippling problem" is suitable for formal writing when accurately describing a serious issue. However, consider the specific audience and the desired tone when choosing the most appropriate wording. Alternatives such as "a severe issue" might be preferred in some cases.

What's the difference between "a crippling problem" and "a serious problem"?

"A crippling problem" suggests a more severe and debilitating impact than "a serious problem". "Crippling" implies a lasting and significant hindrance to progress or functionality.