a troublesome problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a troublesome problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing an issue that is particularly difficult or annoying to deal with. Example: "The team is currently facing a troublesome problem that is hindering our progress on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But the bishops are also wrestling with a troublesome problem that has no parallel in the civil system: how much can a church founded on precepts of forgiveness be seen as foreclosing the possibility of redemption?

The New York Times

To avoid such a troublesome problem, the following simple method for the analysis is proposed.

Earth, Planets and Space

However, chip removal is a troublesome problem when using the core drill.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Tetravalent Si materials (SiO2 and transition metal silicates) are receiving tremendous attentions for lithium storage, whereas a troublesome problem is how to improve the content of active Si.

Electrochimica Acta

Despite the many advantages of biomimetic calcium phosphates (CaPs) coatings, there is a troublesome problem of low cohesion in the coatings.

Ceramics International

Traditional methods usually design algorithms and implement in computer, and they have faced a troublesome problem in balancing the resolution and computational speed.

Optik - International Journal for Light and Electron Optics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

This is a particularly troublesome problem for data collected on an elderly population, since the elderly frequently must rely on a proxy.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

You never know when you will need to call an old colleague, an instructor, a company representative, co-worker, or boss to help you solve a particularly troublesome problem.

Science Magazine

It was a particularly troublesome problem for local artists, he said, because "the holdings are of big importance for anyone who is studying art or is an artist; it's your reference material as an artist".

The New York Times - Arts

Although significant concern exists that armoring by iron and aluminum oxide precipitates may limit the reactivity and longevity of the permeable reactive barrier, maintenance of saturated conditions and installation of effective subdrainage and/or flushing procedures can be effective in overcoming problems and yield an effective, low maintenance solution to an increasingly troublesome problem.

Handbook of Groundwater Remediation using Permeable Reactive Barriers Applications to Radionuclides, Trace Metals, and Nutrients

Adding social work to those strains creates a unique and troublesome problem.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a troublesome problem", ensure the context clearly defines what makes the problem troublesome. Be specific about the difficulties it presents.

Common error

While "troublesome" is generally acceptable, consider using simpler alternatives like "difficult" or "annoying" in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone. "Troublesome" can sometimes sound overly formal or stilted in everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a troublesome problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "troublesome" modifies the noun "problem". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a troublesome problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an issue causing difficulty or annoyance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While various alternatives exist, such as "a vexing issue" or "a challenging difficulty", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what makes the problem troublesome and consider simpler alternatives in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a vexing issue

Replaces "troublesome" with "vexing", suggesting something that causes annoyance or frustration. The structure remains the same.

a challenging difficulty

Substitutes both "troublesome" and "problem" to highlight the aspect of difficulty requiring effort to overcome.

a thorny question

Replaces "problem" with "question", indicating a complex issue with no easy answer.

a nagging concern

Shifts the focus to the emotional aspect, suggesting persistent worry rather than a concrete obstacle.

a persistent headache

Emphasizes the ongoing and irritating nature of the problem, using a more figurative term.

a major setback

Highlights the negative impact of the problem on progress or plans.

a critical impediment

Uses more formal language to describe a serious obstacle.

an unwelcome complication

Focuses on the added difficulty or complexity introduced by the problem.

an obstinate hurdle

Implies resistance and difficulty in overcoming the problem.

a source of aggravation

Highlights the frustrating aspect of the problem, emphasizing its capacity to irritate.

FAQs

How can I use "a troublesome problem" in a sentence?

"A troublesome problem" is typically used to describe a situation causing difficulty or annoyance. For example, "Chip removal is "a troublesome problem" when using the core drill."

What are some alternatives to "a troublesome problem"?

You can use phrases like "a vexing issue", "a challenging difficulty", or "a persistent headache" as alternatives to "a troublesome problem", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "troublesome problem" or "difficult problem"?

Both "troublesome problem" and "difficult problem" are grammatically correct and understandable. "Troublesome" implies a sense of annoyance or inconvenience, while "difficult" simply indicates that something requires effort or skill. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What makes "a troublesome problem" different from a regular problem?

The word "troublesome" adds a layer of annoyance, inconvenience, or difficulty that isn't necessarily present in a regular problem. It suggests that the problem is not only challenging but also potentially frustrating or burdensome.