an overwhelming problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or issue that is extremely difficult to manage or deal with. Example: "The community faced an overwhelming problem with waste management, leading to serious environmental concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Well, this isn't an overwhelming problem.

The Guardian - Film

That seems to me to be an overwhelming problem".

The Guardian

"It's an overwhelming problem," said Dr. Charles Berde, chief of pain medicine at Children's Hospital Boston.

The New York Times - Health

Rather, despite successes in other areas, malaria has consistently been an overwhelming problem in sub-Saharan Africa.

The New York Times

Lardner and Reppetto make clear that outrageous graft is no longer an overwhelming problem of the N.Y.P.D.

The New York Times - Books

Groups such as Britain's Republic and its counterparts elsewhere in Europe that agitate for an end to monarchy face an overwhelming problem: The system works.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But like with any overwhelming problem, every little bit helps.

Huffington Post

"I'm not certain," Cardinal Law said, "that the judgment at that time would have been that we were facing a major, overwhelming problem".

The New York Times

In a tacit surrender to the overwhelming problem of homelessness, the city has simply removed public seating over the last two decades.

The New York Times

Hasn't the overwhelming problem been, rather, a reluctance to effectively confront evil — in Darfur, or Rwanda, or pre-9/11 Afghanistan?

The New York Times

"Over that time, it's done a brilliant job of raising public consciousness about the overwhelming problem of male suicide, and of providing a resource and lifeline for men who are depressed and feel they have no one to talk to.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an overwhelming problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the magnitude and impact of the issue to justify the strong adjective. This helps to avoid exaggeration and maintains credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "an overwhelming problem" too frequently in your writing. Overusing intensifiers can diminish their impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Instead, vary your language with synonyms like "significant challenge" or "major difficulty" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a problem that is so large or difficult that it is hard to deal with. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming problem" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to describe a significant and difficult issue. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness, and its frequent appearance in diverse sources like news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias demonstrates its versatility. When writing, it's important to ensure the context genuinely warrants the strong descriptor "overwhelming" and to vary language to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives such as "a daunting challenge" or "a significant issue" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a daunting challenge

Replaces "overwhelming problem" with a more general term for a difficult task or situation, suggesting something that is intimidating.

an unmanageable situation

Focuses on the difficulty of handling the problem, implying that it is beyond control.

an insurmountable difficulty

This suggests the problem is so large it cannot be overcome.

a formidable obstacle

Replaces "problem" with "obstacle", emphasizing the hindering aspect of the situation and using "formidable" to convey its strength.

a pressing issue

Highlights the urgency of the problem, suggesting that it needs immediate attention.

a major difficulty

Substitutes "overwhelming" with "major" to reduce the intensity of the problem, indicating a significant obstacle.

a grave matter

Uses "grave" to highlight the serious and potentially dangerous nature of the problem.

a critical concern

Shifts the focus to the aspect of worry or importance, suggesting that the problem requires serious attention.

a crisis of great proportions

Elevates the problem to a crisis level, indicating a turning point with potentially severe consequences.

a significant issue

Changes the term from "problem" to "issue", softening the negative connotation while maintaining the importance of the matter.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming problem" to describe a situation that is extremely difficult to deal with due to its size, complexity, or impact. For instance, "The city faced an overwhelming problem with homelessness after the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "an overwhelming problem"?

Alternatives include "a daunting challenge", "a major difficulty", or "a significant issue", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "an overwhelming problem"?

Use "an overwhelming problem" when you want to emphasize that a problem is so large or complex that it feels difficult or impossible to manage or solve. This phrase is best used when the problem truly warrants such strong language.

Is "an overwhelming problem" formal or informal?

"An overwhelming problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using a more nuanced synonym to maintain a professional tone.