challenging issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or situation that is difficult to address or resolve. Example: "The team is currently working on a challenging issue that has arisen during the project development phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A ghastly problem becomes a less alarming "challenging issue".

The Economist

"Agriculture tends to be a challenging issue," he said.

The New York Times

A more challenging issue is the influence of Sondheim.

The Guardian

"It's a dynamic, challenging issue that affects a great deal of America.

The New York Times - Sports

However, it is an extremely challenging issue.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Tracing these decisions is a challenging issue.

Computer Standards & Interfaces

This topic will be a challenging issue for future research.

Complex & Intelligent Systems

Defect suppression is a challenging issue in the SLM process.

Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering

Handover is one challenging issue among several issues.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This remains a challenging issue yet to be addressed.

Micro and Nano Systems Letters

That makes 5G a particularly challenging issue for the company.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a "challenging issue", start by clearly defining the scope of the problem. This helps to focus efforts and avoid scope creep.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex vocabulary when discussing a "challenging issue". Clear, concise language ensures that the message is easily understood by all stakeholders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging issue" functions primarily as a noun phrase that includes an adjective modifying the noun. According to Ludwig, it is used to describe a problem or situation that presents difficulties and requires effort to resolve. The examples on Ludwig demonstrate its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging issue" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a difficult problem or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially within science, news, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "difficult problem" or "complex problem" exist, "challenging issue" maintains a neutral to professional tone suitable for formal communication. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the issue's scope and avoiding overly complicated language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult problem

Replaces "challenging" with "difficult", focusing on the level of effort required.

complex problem

Substitutes "challenging" with "complex", emphasizing the intricate nature of the issue.

complicated matter

Uses "matter" instead of "issue", and "complicated" instead of "challenging", highlighting the convoluted aspect.

thorny question

Employs a metaphorical term "thorny" to describe the issue, indicating its prickly and potentially painful nature.

delicate situation

Shifts the focus to the sensitivity of the situation, suggesting it requires careful handling.

tough situation

Replaces "challenging" with "tough", focusing on the difficulty and resilience required to overcome it.

intricate situation

Substitutes "challenging" with "intricate", stressing the complexity and interconnectedness of the elements involved.

formidable task

Uses "formidable" to emphasize the daunting and potentially overwhelming nature of the task.

critical predicament

Replaces both words to indicate an urgent and difficult situation

vexing question

Employs "vexing" to highlight the frustrating and irritating nature of the question.

FAQs

How can I use "challenging issue" in a sentence?

You can use "challenging issue" to describe a difficult problem or situation that needs to be addressed. For example: "The company is facing a "challenging issue" with its supply chain."

What are some alternatives to "challenging issue"?

Some alternatives include "difficult problem", "complex problem", or "complicated matter". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "challenging issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "challenging issue" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a professional and neutral way to describe a problem. However, consider your audience and the specific context to determine if a more precise term would be more effective.

What's the difference between "challenging issue" and "difficult issue"?

The phrases "challenging issue" and "difficult issue" are often interchangeable. However, "challenging" can sometimes imply an opportunity for growth or learning, while "difficult" focuses solely on the hardship.