a devastating issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a devastating issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a problem or situation that has severe negative consequences or impacts. Example: "The report highlighted a devastating issue affecting the local community, leading to widespread concern among residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Someecards, for example, is doing what it does best, giving us reason to LOL even while facing a devastating issue.

Huffington Post

"The person asking the question was missing the point that unrestricted guns are a devastating issue," Daley press secretary Jacquelyn Heard told the Sun-Times....Daley walked back the comment under questioning from reporters.

Huffington Post

While I can only imagine the range of emotions you must have felt to be so publicly vulnerable, I am so thankful that you have chosen to use your status to bring attention to such a devastating issue as substance abuse.

HuffPost

The City Council has recognized the 710 freeway [extension] could be a devastating issue for our community and that we need to protect the community from those impacts through whatever means, if it means fighting the 710 … [or] coming up with serious alternatives that should be considered.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Studies have made clear that prolonged isolation can have a devastating effect on those with psychiatric issues, but even mental health workers at Rikers have fretted over the recent scaling back of the use of solitary at the jail, worrying dangerous inmates will be able to operate with impunity.

The New York Times

To demonstrate how long overdue summer hunger reform is, No Kid Hungry recently unveiled a campaign that shows how far some advancements have come since 1975, while this devastating issue has seen little progress.

Huffington Post

By engaging deeply with our audience throughout this series, and by encouraging them to be part of the solution, we hope to collectively create genuine change on this devastating issue".

The Guardian

Miscarriage is another devastating issue, albeit one that gets little coverage.

Vice

Miscarriage is another devastating issue, albeit one that has little coverage.

Vice

The Foreign Secretary is to be applauded for his work to focus the world's attention on this devastating issue, which has for far too long been taboo.

Unicef

A devastating poster issued during the outbreak appeals for justice for the victims.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a devastating issue", ensure the context clearly conveys the severe negative impact. Provide specific details to underscore the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "devastating" for minor problems. Save it for truly serious situations to maintain its impact and credibility. For example, don't describe a minor inconvenience as "a devastating issue".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a devastating issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "devastating" modifies the noun "issue". Ludwig AI confirms its usability for describing problems with severe negative impacts. It serves to highlight the gravity and seriousness of the issue being discussed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a devastating issue" is a phrase used to describe a problem or situation with severe negative impacts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. While not extremely common, it is used across various contexts, including news, business, and science. When using the phrase, ensure that the context supports the gravity of the issue being described and consider alternatives like ""a critical problem"" or ""a serious crisis"" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical problem

Focuses on the urgency and importance of the problem.

a serious crisis

Emphasizes the severity and potential for widespread impact.

a major catastrophe

Highlights the disastrous nature and far-reaching consequences.

a grave concern

Underscores the worrisome and significant nature of the matter.

a calamitous situation

Implies a disastrous and unfortunate set of circumstances.

a tragic event

Focuses on the sorrowful and lamentable aspect of the issue.

a ruinous affair

Stresses the destructive and damaging consequences.

a harmful matter

Highlights the detrimental and injurious effects.

a destructive challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and the potential for damage.

an acute predicament

Highlights the pressing and difficult nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "a devastating issue" in a sentence?

You can use "a devastating issue" to describe a problem or situation with severely negative consequences. For example, "Climate change is "a devastating issue" affecting coastal communities".

What are some alternatives to "a devastating issue"?

Alternatives include "a critical problem", "a serious crisis", or "a grave concern", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a devastating issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "a devastating issue" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a truly severe problem. However, ensure the tone and supporting evidence match the gravity of the description.

What makes an issue "devastating" rather than just "serious"?

A "devastating" issue implies significant damage, destruction, or overwhelmingly negative consequences, often with long-term or irreversible effects. It goes beyond merely being "serious" by conveying a sense of profound impact.