Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
a societal challenge
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "a societal challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to issues or problems that affect society as a whole, often requiring collective action or solutions. Example: "Climate change is increasingly recognized as a societal challenge that demands urgent attention from governments and communities alike."
✓ Grammatically correct
Academia
News & Media
Science
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
5 human-written examples
InCube invites students to live the full entrepreneurial journey and work towards finding an innovative solution to a societal challenge that could be turned into a successful startup.
It is a societal challenge that plagues many businessmen and women.
News & Media
Project teams are groups of five to 20 individuals, including at least two faculty leaders, from different disciplines and different student levels who work together to address a societal challenge through research and outreach.
Academia
Others, such as the European health minister, see it as a societal challenge that should be met with schemes that encourage people to cycle to work or walk to school, or by subsidising sports centres such as Davos's Tourism und Sportzentrum.
News & Media
While the logic, capabilities or processes needed may not be very different from "business as usual," using them with the explicit intent to solve a societal challenge is.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
55 human-written examples
This is an ideal private sector solution to a major societal challenge - and a way for everyone's favorite search engine to be an engine for positive change.
News & Media
"There's a real societal challenge, as well as a market opportunity," says Morgenstern.
News & Media
Among those consequences were confusing the public and perpetuating pay disparity among women and minorities.This is not an issue solely at Wells Fargo but a larger societal challenge at most of the major industry firms, be that Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, or whatever.
News & Media
Enter the first-ever National Data Science Bowl to unleash your talent on an epic societal challenge at a global scale.
Academia
Accounting for nearly a quarter of global disability, psychiatric disorders represent a pervasive societal challenge (Whiteford et al., 2013), making the need to precisely diagnose and treat these disorders urgent.
Fast forward to 2013 where finding 21st-century heroes in science, technology, engineering and math amidst a pop-sports culture that "tunes out" STEM subjects is a major societal challenge.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using the phrase "a societal challenge", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific challenge you are referring to. Providing concrete examples or specific details helps to avoid vagueness and enhances clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "societal challenge" as a vague or generic term to describe any problem. To maintain credibility, always provide specific context and demonstrate a clear understanding of the issue at hand.
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "a societal challenge" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies and categorizes a specific problem or issue that impacts society. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
Academia
33%
News & Media
46%
Science
21%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "a societal challenge" is a noun phrase used to describe significant problems impacting society. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most frequently in news, media, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "a social problem" and "a global issue". To use the phrase effectively, ensure clear context and avoid overuse as a generic term. While grammatically sound and widely understood, its impact relies on precise and thoughtful application.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
a social problem
Focuses on the social dimension of the issue, highlighting its impact on communities and interpersonal relationships.
a community issue
Emphasizes the local or regional nature of the challenge, suggesting a focus on grassroots solutions.
a global issue
Highlights the worldwide impact and scope of the challenge, implying a need for international cooperation.
a systemic problem
Points to the underlying systems and structures that contribute to the challenge, calling for comprehensive reform.
an ethical dilemma
Focuses on the moral or ethical dimensions of the challenge, highlighting conflicting values and difficult choices.
a public concern
Emphasizes the widespread worry or anxiety about the challenge among the general population.
a policy challenge
Highlights the need for effective government policies and regulations to address the challenge.
a complex problem
Underscores the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge, requiring interdisciplinary approaches.
a pressing need
Conveys the urgency and importance of addressing the challenge promptly and effectively.
a matter of public interest
Indicates that the challenge is of concern to the public and warrants attention from policymakers and the media.
FAQs
How can I use "a societal challenge" in a sentence?
Use "a societal challenge" to introduce a problem that affects a large group of people or a whole society. For example, "Climate change is a significant societal challenge requiring global cooperation."
What are some synonyms for "a societal challenge"?
Alternatives include "a social problem", "a community issue", or "a global issue", depending on the scope and nature of the problem you're describing.
Is it better to say "societal challenge" or "social challenge"?
Both "societal challenge" and "social challenge" are acceptable. "Societal" emphasizes the broad impact on society as a whole, while "social" may focus more on interpersonal relationships and community structures.
What makes an issue qualify as "a societal challenge"?
An issue qualifies as "a societal challenge" when it affects a significant portion of the population, requires collective action to address, and has long-term consequences for the well-being of society.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested