an outstanding problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an outstanding problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant or unresolved issue that requires attention or a solution. Example: "The researchers are currently focused on addressing an outstanding problem in the field of renewable energy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

I-10 had to be an outstanding problem during the duration of Hurricane Katrina.

Forbes

But whether this local solution can exist globally is an outstanding problem.

Boundary Value Problems

However, an outstanding problem in the field of IGA is that of surface-to-volume parameterization.

Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering

Accounting for the differences in implicature described in this section is an outstanding problem for pragmatic theory.

SEP

However, high residual stress and redundant strain caused by the traditional cold roll forming process is still an outstanding problem.

Procedia Engineering

She adds, "Internships make it so managers and mentors gain experience that someone with a disability can be productive, creative, a team player, and an outstanding problem solver.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

As usual, these and other panelists did an outstanding job of defining the problems confronting the Black community and the major barriers to positive change.

Huffington Post

A long outstanding problem for abduction in logic programming has been on how minimality might be defined.

Artificial Intelligence

A key outstanding problem is to identify the factors that underpin this variation.

Ecological Entomology

This has enabled us to resolve a major outstanding problem in determining the range of nitrate reducing bacteria in complex communities by designing for the first time a set of primers that have been shown to recognize all of the napA genes currently known to occur.

Biochemical Society Transactions

The evaluation of the complexity of an observed object is an old but outstanding problem.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an outstanding problem", ensure the context clearly defines the scope and impact of the problem to provide sufficient information to the reader. For instance, specify the domain or field in which the problem is outstanding.

Common error

Avoid using "an outstanding problem" to describe trivial or easily solvable issues. This phrase is best reserved for significant challenges that require substantial effort and expertise to resolve.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an outstanding problem" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "outstanding" emphasizes the significance or unresolved nature of the problem. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an outstanding problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to denote a significant and unresolved issue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It frequently appears in scientific and news contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly define the problem's scope and impact. Alternatives include "a major unresolved issue" or "a significant challenge remaining". Avoid using it for trivial issues. Understanding its connotations ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major unresolved issue

Replaces "outstanding" with "unresolved" and "problem" with "issue", emphasizing the lack of resolution.

a significant challenge remaining

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge" and adds "remaining" to highlight the ongoing nature.

an important open question

Replaces "problem" with "question" and "outstanding" with "open", focusing on the need for further investigation.

a key difficulty to overcome

Emphasizes the obstacle aspect of the problem by using "difficulty" and highlighting the need to "overcome" it.

a pressing concern yet to be addressed

Highlights the urgency with "pressing concern" and emphasizes the lack of resolution with "yet to be addressed".

a notable gap in understanding

Focuses on the lack of knowledge by using "gap in understanding" instead of "problem".

a crucial area needing attention

Shifts the focus to the need for action and focus by using "area needing attention".

an unresolved question of importance

Similar to 'an important open question' but with a slight rephrasing to emphasize importance.

a critical hurdle that persists

Substitutes the term "problem" with "hurdle" to emphasize the obstacle aspect. Adding "that persists" emphasizes the continuous nature.

a lingering matter of debate

The word choice here refers to a problem to be more of a debate or an issue that is not easily solved.

FAQs

What does "an outstanding problem" mean?

The phrase "an outstanding problem" refers to a significant issue that remains unresolved and requires attention or a solution.

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

You can use it like this: "Addressing climate change is "an outstanding problem" for global leaders.".

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

You can use alternatives like "a major unresolved issue", "a significant challenge remaining", or "an important open question" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "an outstanding problem" and "an unsolved problem"?

While both refer to unresolved issues, "an outstanding problem" often implies a greater significance or broader impact than "an unsolved problem". The former might be more pervasive or require more complex solutions.