a worsening problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a worsening problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or issue that is becoming more severe or difficult over time. Example: "The increase in pollution levels has led to a worsening problem for the local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The report cited the housing shortage as a worsening problem.

The New York Times

"I see this as a worsening problem, because the rents are getting higher, leading to less and less usefulness of the shops in town".

The New York Times

Being involved in jazz now means knowing that the music will survive, and knowing at the same time that connecting artists with listeners is a worsening problem.

The New York Times - Arts

But the state suits pose a worsening problem for pharmaceutical companies as regulators examine health care costs amid a nationwide squeeze on state budgets.

The New York Times

But the survey results among people 18 to 25 -- who are among those most likely to commit crimes -- showed a worsening problem, at least recently.

The New York Times

The report said damage can be caused by failing oil pipelines, as well as by thieves who tap into the lines to steal crude oil — a worsening problem in Ogoniland.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a quickly worsening problem worldwide, also in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Clinical Microbiology and Infection

Doctors have long believed that the ozone in automobile pollution contributes to childhood asthma, a major and worsening problem.

The New York Times - Health

THREE months after Congress approved legislation intended to curb spam, unsolicited e-mail is a persistent, if not worsening, problem, according to a survey released yesterday by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

The New York Times - Tech

The sandstorm, the nation's worst in more than a year, has affected 270 million people across 16 provinces and offers a sign of the worsening problem of desertification in the north, according to scientists and meteorologists.

The New York Times - Science

Facility managers reported that workload, which had been a long-standing and worsening problem in Malawi, was being tackled in several ways, including: training and rotating additional clinical staff through HIV/AIDS clinics, thereby increasing the pool of trained staff and reducing the risk of 'burn-out'.

Human Resources for Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a worsening problem", provide specific details or examples to illustrate how the problem is becoming more severe. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a worsening problem" as a vague statement. Always specify the nature of the problem and the factors contributing to its deterioration to maintain clarity and avoid generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a worsening problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation that is not only problematic but is also deteriorating or becoming more severe over time. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it's used across various domains to highlight growing concerns.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a worsening problem" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe an issue that is becoming increasingly severe. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase and is frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to provide specific context to illustrate the deterioration. Alternatives such as ""an escalating crisis"" or ""a deteriorating situation"" can be used for variety. However, "a worsening problem" clearly communicates that the issue is not only problematic but also escalating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an escalating crisis

Emphasizes the increasing severity and urgency of the situation.

a deteriorating situation

Focuses on the decline and degradation of conditions.

a growing concern

Highlights the increasing worry and apprehension surrounding the issue.

an exacerbating factor

Points to something that is making an existing problem even worse.

a compounding difficulty

Suggests that the problem is becoming more complex and challenging.

a mounting challenge

Implies that the problem is accumulating and becoming more difficult to handle.

a burgeoning issue

Focuses on the rapid growth and expansion of the problem.

an intensifying dilemma

Suggests the problem is becoming more acute and difficult to resolve.

a spiraling decline

Highlights a rapid and continuous downward trend.

a deepening crisis

Emphasizes the increasing intensity and severity of the crisis.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a worsening problem" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a worsening problem", clearly identify the subject and provide context on how it is deteriorating. For example, "Climate change is "a worsening problem" that demands immediate action" provides a clear subject and context.

What are some alternatives to "a worsening problem"?

Alternatives to "a worsening problem" include "an escalating crisis", "a deteriorating situation", or "a growing concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it correct to say "a worsening of the problem"?

Yes, "a worsening of the problem" is grammatically correct and often used. It emphasizes the process of the problem becoming more severe. It can be used interchangeably with ""a worsening problem"" in many contexts.

What is the difference between "a worsening problem" and "a serious problem"?

"A serious problem" indicates a significant issue, while ""a worsening problem"" suggests that the issue is becoming more severe over time. The latter implies a progression or deterioration that the former does not necessarily convey.