a systemic issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a systemic issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem that is deeply rooted in the structure or system of an organization or society. Example: "The lack of diversity in leadership roles is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed for true equality to be achieved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

However, these are just superficial band-aids on a systemic issue: the structure of the system which is basically patriarchal and starts presenting itself as a social norm," she says.

Vice

This is a systemic issue".

The Guardian - Money

"It has become a systemic issue.

The New York Times

"It needs to be because it's such a systemic issue and there's such large exposure.

The Guardian

If trust disappears, then credit disappears, and you have a systemic issue".

The New York Times

For all to misfire simultaneously is a systemic issue that must, all good sense suggests, have a larger root cause.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

As many female service members have pointed out, sexual harassment has thrived in the Marine Corps for years, and the revelations that the Marines United Facebook group shared nude photos of female Marines is just a symptom of a larger, systemic issue — one that isn't new and might not be going anywhere any time soon.

TechCrunch

I was shocked that she tried to justify Casebolt pulling his gun on two people at a pool party, but then it hit me: Jen is a victim of a larger systemic issue.

Huffington Post

Michelle Alexander makes the case, in her book The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness, that mass incarceration is a deeply systemic issue that functions as a racial caste system - similar to Jim Crow.

Huffington Post

Discussions were wide-ranging, as you'd expect from a large group tackling a complex, systemic issue, but various interesting threads emerged.

TechCrunch

Schools across L.A. Unified tried to help these students one at a time, but Duardo and her team thought it might be a more systemic issue.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a systemic issue", ensure that you can clearly identify the system in which the issue is occurring and provide specific examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "a systemic issue" as a vague term without specifying the affected system or providing evidence. Overgeneralizing weakens your argument and reduces the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a systemic issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "systemic" modifies the noun "issue". It identifies a problem that is inherent in, or characteristic of, a whole system, rather than being an isolated occurrence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a systemic issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe problems deeply embedded within a system's structure, as verified by Ludwig. It appears frequently in news, science, and business contexts, highlighting its relevance across various domains. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the system in question and provide concrete examples to support your claim. Common errors include overgeneralization, which can weaken your argument. Understanding the nuances of "a systemic issue" is key to effective communication and problem-solving. Addressing this kind of issue requires comprehensive and systemic solutions, rather than focusing on isolated incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a structural problem

Focuses on the framework or organization causing the issue.

a deeply rooted problem

Emphasizes the entrenchment and difficulty in resolving the issue.

a widespread problem

Highlights the broad scope and pervasiveness of the issue.

a fundamental flaw

Points to a basic and significant defect within the system.

a pervasive challenge

Indicates that the problem is present throughout the system.

an inherent weakness

Suggests the issue is naturally part of the system's constitution.

a common failing

Highlights that the problem often occurs within the system.

a typical deficiency

Suggests the issue is a standard shortcoming of the system.

an industry-wide concern

Broader scope; specific to sector-wide problems.

a global crisis

Addresses issues that impact the entire world, a more expansive scope than a localized systemic issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "a systemic issue" to describe a problem that is ingrained within a system. For instance, "The lack of funding for public schools is "a systemic issue" that affects student outcomes".

What are some alternatives to "a systemic issue"?

Alternatives include "a structural problem", "a deeply rooted problem", or "a widespread problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "systemic issue" or "systematic issue"?

"Systemic" refers to something related to a system as a whole, while "systematic" implies something done according to a fixed plan or system. Therefore, ""a systemic issue"" is generally more appropriate when describing problems inherent within a system's structure or function.

How does "a systemic issue" differ from an isolated incident?

"A systemic issue" is embedded within the structure or processes of an organization or society, whereas an isolated incident is a one-time occurrence that doesn't reflect a broader pattern.