astonishing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "astonishing problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem that is surprising or difficult to comprehend due to its nature or complexity. Example: "The researchers encountered an astonishing problem that challenged their understanding of the fundamental principles of physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

China's economy may overtake the U.S. economy sometime within the next decade or two, meaning that we may be facing a truly astonishing problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her arithmetic skills are astonishing — difficult problems are solved in seconds.

The New Yorker

As Stanton writes: "We find this faster reading vs. naming problem astonishing because when we were children, it was the other way around".

Independent

Mr. Giuliani spoke with commendable candor about his sadness over the state of his marriage, his determination "to deal with it honestly and directly" and his priorities in meeting an astonishing confluence of problems.

The New York Times

When the pawns surround the king in chess problems and studies, we see some beautiful and astonishing creations.

Huffington Post

At the time the ICWA was drafted, Native American children were being taken from their families at astonishing rates, a systemic problem that reflected a continuation of decades of assimilation efforts, including land allotment and boarding schools, Kastelic said.

The Washington Post

The scale of the problem is astonishing: a man-in-the-middle (MitM in cryptographic jargon) could commandeer any secure connection from a Wi-Fi network in a coffeeshop up to the infiltration of an entire country, as exploited by certain governments and their agents in the past.Apple's coding error lies in how a secure connection is verified for websites and other internet services.

The Economist

The cost of India's corruption problem is astonishing.

Huffington Post

I find this quite an astonishing solution to the problem.

Huffington Post

The possibilities and problems are astonishing.

The New York Times - Arts

But the global recession is exposing their deep-seated problems with astonishing speed and severity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "astonishing problem" to emphasize the unexpected or unusually challenging nature of a situation. This phrase is suitable for contexts where the problem's scale or complexity is particularly noteworthy.

Common error

Avoid using "astonishing problem" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It is more appropriate for formal reports, academic papers, or news articles where a serious or unexpected issue needs to be highlighted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astonishing problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "astonishing" modifies the noun "problem". It describes the nature of the problem, emphasizing its surprising or remarkable qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "astonishing problem" is used to describe a difficulty or challenge that is notable for its unexpected or surprising nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in various contexts, most commonly in news, science, and formal communications. While not overly frequent, it effectively emphasizes the significant or remarkable aspects of a problem. Alternatives such as "surprising difficulty" or "remarkable challenge" can be used to achieve a similar effect. The phrase is generally best suited for more formal writing and should be used sparingly in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising difficulty

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the problem.

remarkable challenge

Highlights the noteworthiness and demanding aspect of the problem.

unexpected predicament

Focuses on the unforeseen and troublesome situation.

startling issue

Draws attention to the alarming or shocking aspect of the problem.

unforeseen complication

Highlights the unanticipated and complex nature of the problem.

extraordinary dilemma

Emphasizes the unique and perplexing aspect of the problem.

astounding setback

Highlights the surprising and negative impact of the problem.

unbelievable obstacle

Emphasizes the seemingly insurmountable nature of the problem.

remarkable snag

Focuses on the unexpected hindrance caused by the problem.

striking predicament

Emphasizes the noticeable and difficult situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "astonishing problem" to describe a situation that is surprisingly difficult or complex. For example, "The researchers encountered an astonishing problem while studying the effects of climate change."

What's a good substitute for "astonishing problem"?

Alternatives include "surprising difficulty", "remarkable challenge", or /s/unexpected+predicament" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "astonishing problem" too formal for casual writing?

Yes, "astonishing problem" is relatively formal and best suited for academic, professional, or journalistic contexts. Consider using simpler phrases in casual settings.

What makes a problem "astonishing"?

A problem might be considered "astonishing" due to its unexpected nature, unusual complexity, or significant impact. It's a problem that evokes surprise or wonder due to its attributes.