an outstanding issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outstanding issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or concern that has not yet been resolved or addressed. Example: "We need to discuss the outstanding issue regarding the budget before moving forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

There is still an outstanding issue: Will the performance gap between minority and white students close?

The New York Times

"The agreement enables the club to move forward but there remains an outstanding issue with the SPL regarding EBTs.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked about the waiver question, Deputy Mayor Marc V. Shaw, who has also been immersed in the negotiations, said, "It is an outstanding issue".

The New York Times

There was an outstanding issue, however: if the journals were considered part of Tennessee Williams' papers, then they would go to Harvard, along with his other manuscripts, once the probate period had ended.

The New Yorker

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi praised the laws, saying, "Setting up a legal framework on ways to safeguard the state and the public was an outstanding issue for the country's security policy".

The New York Times

The Supreme Court did not comment on an outstanding issue of the case, namely whether not the Iraqi passport Mr al-Jedda holds is fake, which he says it is and that he needed to have to travel to Turkey in 2008.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

A major outstanding issue is a lawsuit by the House over a subpoena for internal Justice Department e-mails from 2011, after the operation had ended.

The New York Times

Computer-modeling work may help to clarify an important outstanding issue.

Cognitive Science

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05505.013 The mechanisms underlying the induction of senescent cells and their clearance, for example the involvement of other immune cell types in their surveillance, constitute an important outstanding issue.

eLife

Although there is now considerable in vivo evidence of cell-to-cell transmission of αsyn and recruitment of endogenous αsyn to inclusions reminiscent of Lewy bodies, a crucial outstanding issue is establishing whether there is a link between this and the process of neurodegeneration.

Acta neuropathologica communications

There have also been last minute talks between Afghan and US officials on a second outstanding issue - whether to allow US troops forcibly to enter Afghan homes in pursuit of suspects.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an outstanding issue", clearly define what the issue is and why it requires attention.

Common error

Avoid using "an outstanding issue" without providing context or detail about the specific issue. Vague references can lead to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific problem or matter that requires further attention or resolution. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an outstanding issue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to refer to an unresolved problem or matter. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase and is used across various contexts, including science, news, and media. While alternatives like "an unresolved problem" or "a pending question" exist, it's important to be specific about the issue when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. The phrase appears in both formal and neutral registers, maintaining its clarity and relevance in professional and academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unresolved problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", focusing on the problematic aspect.

an unsettled matter

Substitutes "outstanding issue" with a more formal term, implying unfinished business.

a pending question

Replaces "issue" with "question", highlighting the interrogative aspect that needs resolution.

an open question

Similar to "a pending question" but emphasizes the lack of a definitive answer.

an existing challenge

Focuses on the challenging nature of the issue, suitable when highlighting difficulties.

a remaining concern

Emphasizes the worry or anxiety associated with the unresolved issue.

an ongoing debate

Highlights the element of discussion and disagreement related to the issue.

a sticking point

Informal term indicating a specific point of disagreement or difficulty.

an unmet need

Highlights a requirement that has not yet been satisfied or addressed.

an imperative task

Highlights the urgency and necessity of addressing the issue.

FAQs

What does "an outstanding issue" mean?

The phrase "an outstanding issue" refers to a problem or matter that has not yet been resolved or dealt with. It implies that the issue is still pending and requires attention.

How can I use "an outstanding issue" in a sentence?

You can use "an outstanding issue" to refer to unresolved problems. For example, "The budget negotiations stalled due to "an outstanding issue" regarding funding allocation."

What can I say instead of "an outstanding issue"?

You can use alternatives like "an unresolved problem", "an unsettled matter", or "a pending question" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "outstanding issue" or "unresolved issue"?

Both "outstanding issue" and "unresolved issue" are correct and often interchangeable. "Outstanding" emphasizes the issue's pending status, while "unresolved" highlights the lack of a solution. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.