a long-standing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long-standing problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an issue or challenge that has persisted for a significant amount of time. Example: "The city has been grappling with a long-standing problem of traffic congestion that affects daily commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But it has a long-standing problem with domestic homicides.

The Washington Post

But at the same time these events have worsened a long-standing problem.

The Economist

As with ballistic missiles, guidance has been a long-standing problem in cruise missile development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This presents a unique opportunity to solve a long-standing problem facing the scientific community.

Cornell University

Aging is a long-standing problem that people are always interested in.

Experimental Gerontology

But this is a long-standing problem that has defied many efforts to solve it.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

She was talking about a long standing problem with sexual abuse and incest in her home.

Vice

Launching a large balloon in a limited launching field is a long standing problem in Japan.

Advances in Space Research

Protein structure prediction (PSP) is a long standing problem in structural biology and bioinformatics.

Expert Systems with Applications

Underground utility lines being struck by mechanized excavators during construction or maintenance operations is a long standing problem.

Advanced Engineering Informatics

Accountability has been a long standing problem with security.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long-standing problem", be specific about the context and impact of the issue to ensure clarity. Provide background information or examples to illustrate the problem's persistence and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "a long-standing problem" as a generic placeholder. Without specific details, the phrase can sound vague and uninformative. Always provide context to clarify the nature and scope of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long-standing problem" functions as a noun phrase, with "long-standing" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". It describes a specific type of issue characterized by its duration, as seen in Ludwig examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a long-standing problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an issue that has persisted over time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, especially in news, science, and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to provide specific details to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "chronic issue" or "persistent challenge" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By using this phrase thoughtfully and with context, you can effectively communicate the enduring nature and significance of the issue at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a chronic issue

Focuses more on the persistent nature of the problem.

a persistent challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty and effort required to overcome the problem.

an age-old dilemma

Highlights the long history and seemingly unsolvable nature of the problem.

an established issue

Suggests the problem is well-recognized and deeply rooted.

an enduring concern

Stresses the ongoing worry or anxiety associated with the problem.

a deep-seated problem

Emphasizes the ingrained and difficult-to-address nature of the problem.

an intractable issue

Highlights the difficulty or impossibility of resolving the problem.

a recurring difficulty

Focuses on the repeated appearance of the problem.

an historical problem

Specifies that problem is rooted in history.

a traditional problem

Specifies that problem is rooted in the past traditions.

FAQs

How can I use "a long-standing problem" in a sentence?

You can use "a long-standing problem" to describe an issue that has persisted for a significant amount of time. For example, "The company is addressing "a long-standing problem" with employee retention".

What are some alternatives to "a long-standing problem"?

Alternatives include "a chronic issue", "a persistent challenge", or "an age-old dilemma", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Review the related phrases section for more ideas.

Is it better to say "long-standing problem" or "long term problem"?

"Long-standing problem" typically refers to an issue with a history, while "long-term problem" can refer to a problem that will likely persist into the future. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the historical aspect or the future implications.

What makes something a "long-standing problem"?

A "long-standing problem" is characterized by its persistence over time, often resisting easy solutions and requiring sustained effort to address. It implies a history and can suggest that the issue is deeply rooted or systemic.