acute problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'acute problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an issue that is particularly urgent or severe. For example, "The mayor is facing an acute problem with the city's homeless population."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This is an acute problem in Richmond.

The New Yorker

The acute problem is not so much improbability as eccentricity.

The New Yorker

"This is an acute problem for the government".

The New York Times

All of this poses an acute problem for John Kerry.

The New York Times - Magazine

Venereal disease was an acute problem under the tsars.

The New York Times - Science

"In South Africa, it's really such an acute problem".

The New York Times

An acute problem is the large "wastage" of recruits.

The Economist

It is an acute problem for frontier markets.

The Economist

Security, the most acute problem, has been slowly improving.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Achieving that can require acute problem-solving skills - as Winifred Phillips discovered when she worked on SimAnimals.

BBC

In Puerto Camelias, and in much of lower Caguán, workers exchanged an acute problem and an illegal one for another that, while legal, was and is itself problematic.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase “acute problem”, ensure the context clearly establishes the severity and urgency of the issue being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using “acute problem” for minor inconveniences or issues that lack genuine urgency; this can diminish the phrase's impact when describing truly serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute problem" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "acute" modifies the noun "problem". It's used to identify and emphasize the severity and urgency of a particular issue, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acute problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a severe and urgent issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the gravity and time-sensitivity of the situation to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives like "serious issue" or "pressing concern" can be used depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey. By understanding its function, purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "acute problem" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious issue

Emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

urgent matter

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the problem.

pressing concern

Indicates a need for immediate attention.

critical situation

Suggests a turning point or potential crisis.

grave problem

Implies a severe and potentially dangerous issue.

significant challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and importance of addressing the problem.

major difficulty

Highlights the scale and impact of the problem.

severe crisis

Suggests a situation of extreme difficulty and potential danger.

troubling development

Indicates a concerning trend or event.

difficult predicament

Emphasizes the challenging and uncertain nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

Use "acute problem" to describe a situation that is both severe and urgent. For instance, "The city is facing an "acute problem" with water shortages during the drought".

What are some alternatives to "acute problem"?

You can use alternatives such as "serious issue", "urgent matter", or "pressing concern" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "acute problem" in formal writing?

Yes, “acute problem” is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing issues of significant importance or urgency. It's frequently used in academic, business, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "acute problem" and "chronic problem"?

An "acute problem" is sudden and severe, requiring immediate attention, while a “chronic problem” is persistent and long-lasting, often developing gradually over time. One is short term, the other long term.