a disturbing issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a disturbing issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a problem that is emotionally difficult to deal with. Example: The current state of the economy is a disturbing issue that many people are struggling to address.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Conflict minerals are a disturbing issue.

The Economist

It has over the years been a disturbing issue to handle most especially in developing countries.

Sustainable Cities and Society

Mr. Dabbagh said that while "politically it might be a disturbing issue," another panel in Parliament had the power to consider appeals by disqualified candidates.

The New York Times

"The Great Empire State Coverup" [opinion, May 5] inadvertently touches on a disturbing issue, the proliferation of trucks and other small vans with commercial plates that cover up the "commercial" line on the bottom of the plate and drive on Long Island parkways, especially the Southern State.

The New York Times

Cigarette smoking is likely to be generally more accepted and viewed as a cultural norm in rural than urban areas, to the point where rural parents may not perceive boys' smoking as a disturbing issue.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The NYU-Stanford report also touches on a truly disturbing issue: the alleged targeting of rescuers and funerals, the former a tactic that - as the Guardian's Glenn Greenwald virtually alone has addressed- had been cited by the US' Homeland Security Unit in the past as a hallmark of terrorist practices.

Independent

The headline of your Oct. 23 article "With Emphasis on Safety, Playgrounds Aren't for All" led me to believe that it would be addressing a very disturbing issue: the equality and safety of playgrounds used by minority children.

The New York Times

In this context, more recently, the media and the international forum highlighted a special disturbing issue: will the production of biomass energy compete with the food supply [6]-[8]?

Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture

But the ranking raises a more fundamental, disturbing issue.

The New York Times

The discussion then shifted to a decidedly more disturbing issue: the high rate of suicide among indigenous youth worldwide.

Unicef

To millions of people throughout the country, it should bring an ugly and disturbing issue to light.But the weaknesses of the original are also apparent in the film the most obvious of which is the limited and specialized area observed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider using synonyms like "a concerning matter" or "a worrying issue" to maintain a professional tone while conveying the gravity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic language when describing "a disturbing issue". Present the facts objectively before expressing your concern to avoid appearing biased or sensational.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a disturbing issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "disturbing" acts as a pre-modifying adjective specifying the type of issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This highlights the problem or topic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a disturbing issue" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to denote a problem or situation that causes concern or unease. While Ludwig AI confirms it is correct, it's important to use this phrase judiciously, ensuring the context provides clear reasons for the described disturbance. Usage is more common in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Related phrases like "a worrying issue" or "a concerning matter" can offer subtle variations in tone. As with any emotionally charged phrase, objectivity and factual support are essential to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a worrying issue

Replaces "disturbing" with "worrying", maintaining the sense of concern.

a disquieting development

Uses a less common synonym for "disturbing", namely "disquieting", while retaining the noun.

a troublesome issue

Substitutes "disturbing" with "troublesome", indicating a problematic situation.

a concerning matter

Replaces "issue" with "matter" and "disturbing" with "concerning", softening the tone slightly.

a problematic situation

Changes both the adjective and noun to convey a similar meaning, focusing on the problematic nature.

a grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness of the issue by using "grave" instead of "disturbing".

a serious problem

Replaces "disturbing issue" with a more general term, "serious problem".

an alarming trend

Shifts the focus to a trend that is causing alarm.

a regrettable development

Focuses on the negative outcome of the issue, framing it as a "regrettable development".

a disheartening reality

Highlights the disappointing nature of the situation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a disturbing issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a worrying issue", "a concerning matter", or "a serious problem depending on the context.

How do I use "a disturbing issue" in a sentence?

Use "a disturbing issue" to introduce a topic that causes concern or unease. For example: "The rising rates of youth suicide are a disturbing issue that needs immediate attention."

Is "a disturbing issue" formal or informal?

"A disturbing issue" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives like "a concerning matter" might be preferred in certain professional settings.

What makes an issue "disturbing"?

An issue is "disturbing" when it causes significant emotional distress, worry, or unease due to its negative implications or potential consequences.