bad problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bad problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is particularly difficult or undesirable. Example: "The project faced a bad problem when the main software crashed just before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Burnat: Just by saying it's an Israeli film, you create a very bad problem.

The New York Times

If anything, the new law will make a bad problem worse.

The Economist

This is a really, really bad problem we're looking at,' " he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Evra explained that he had previously had a bad problem in that knee.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been a bad problem this year with the wet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As Susan Sontag might have put it, this is not a bad problem to have.

The New York Times - Sports

"I've had a really bad problem with my ankle probably for the past year," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

Also, I've got a really bad problem with American reality TV.

The Guardian

And that, of course, is not a bad problem at all.

The New York Times - Arts

But he was always careful to avoid the hard stuff; he said he had a bad problem as a teenager and was going to stay out of trouble.

The New York Times

While this report does not focus on that issue specifically, its authors suggest that the presence of more police officers could make a bad problem worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bad problem", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it the severity, the difficulty, or the negative impact of the problem that you want to emphasize? Choose synonyms accordingly for greater precision.

Common error

While "bad problem" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound simplistic. Vary your vocabulary by using more descriptive alternatives like "serious issue" or "critical challenge" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bad problem" functions as a noun phrase where "bad" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI indicates that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase. The function is to identify and describe a particular issue that is negative or undesirable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bad problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an undesirable issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, but more refined alternatives may be preferable in formal settings. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to inform and express concern, though careful word choice can enhance precision. Remember to consider context and audience to select the most appropriate term. Consider that synonyms for "bad problem" can often provide greater nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

serious issue

Replaces "bad" with "serious", indicating a grave or important problem.

grave concern

Substitutes both words to convey a sense of deep worry about a problem.

major difficulty

Emphasizes the significant challenge or obstacle presented by the problem.

critical situation

Highlights the urgency and potential severity of the problem.

troubling matter

Focuses on the worrying or unsettling nature of the problem.

unfavorable circumstance

Presents the problem as an undesirable condition or situation.

adverse development

Describes the problem as a negative turn of events or progression.

significant setback

Indicates the problem has caused a notable delay or reversal.

challenging predicament

Highlights the difficult and complex nature of the problem.

thorny issue

Refers to a problem that is complex, sensitive, and difficult to resolve.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "bad problem"?

You can use alternatives like "serious issue", "grave concern", or "major difficulty" depending on the specific context.

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

You can use "bad problem" to describe a situation or issue that is particularly difficult or undesirable. For example, "The company is facing a "bad problem" with its supply chain."

Is there a difference between a "bad problem" and a "serious problem"?

While similar, a "serious problem" often implies a greater level of impact or consequence than a "bad problem". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of severity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "bad problem" in writing?

The phrase "bad problem" is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. For more formal or professional writing, consider using a more specific or sophisticated alternative like "critical situation" or "challenging predicament".