chronic problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"chronic problem" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe a problem that is continuous and long-lasting, such as "chronic poverty" or "the chronic lack of adequate health care in the region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Unemployment, however, has been a chronic problem.

The New York Times

Employee theft is a chronic problem.

The New York Times

Did that blinking suggest a chronic problem?

The Guardian - Sport

He was also having severe back pain, a chronic problem.

The New York Times

It solves a chronic problem of museums: the Pantheon effect.

The New Yorker

Chinese banks have a chronic problem with issuing improper loans.

The New York Times

Smog has become a chronic problem in the city.

The New York Times

But it can also become a chronic problem.

Harvard University

Failure to turn over evidence is a chronic problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

We both have chronic problems.

Independent

Even with these reforms, chronic problems remain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an ongoing health condition, use "chronic problem" to clearly convey the persistent nature of the ailment, differentiating it from acute or temporary issues.

Common error

Avoid using "chronic problem" excessively in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more precise and nuanced language, such as "long-standing challenge" or "persistent issue", to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chronic problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "chronic" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig's examples showcase its role in identifying long-lasting and persistent issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chronic problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an issue that is persistent and long-lasting. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness across a variety of contexts, though more formal alternatives like "persistent issue" or "longstanding difficulty" may be preferred in certain professional settings. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, as well as academic writing. When employing "chronic problem", be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "chronic" with "persistent", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

long-standing difficulty

Substitutes "chronic" with "long-standing" and "problem" with "difficulty", highlighting the extended duration of the issue.

recurring challenge

Uses "recurring" in place of "chronic" and "challenge" instead of "problem", focusing on the repetitive aspect of the situation.

entrenched issue

Replaces "chronic" with "entrenched", indicating the difficulty is firmly established and difficult to change.

nagging problem

Uses "nagging" to convey the persistent and bothersome nature of the problem, suggesting it is a continuous source of annoyance.

inveterate issue

Substitutes "chronic" with "inveterate", emphasizing the deep-rooted and habitual nature of the problem.

deep-seated problem

Replaces "chronic" with "deep-seated", suggesting the problem originates from fundamental or structural causes.

long-term concern

Uses "long-term" to indicate the extended duration and "concern" to soften the negative connotation of "problem".

enduring struggle

Employs "enduring" in place of "chronic" and "struggle" instead of "problem", conveying the sense of a continuous and significant effort to overcome the issue.

lingering predicament

Substitutes "chronic" with "lingering" and "problem" with "predicament", highlighting the ongoing and troublesome nature of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "chronic problem" to describe something that is persistent and difficult to resolve, such as "The city's "housing shortage" is a chronic problem" or "He suffers from a "chronic back pain"".

What are some alternatives to "chronic problem"?

Some alternatives to "chronic problem" include "persistent issue", "longstanding difficulty", or "recurring challenge", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "chronic problem" in formal writing?

While "chronic problem" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "persistent issue" or "long-term concern" in academic or professional contexts for enhanced precision.

What makes a problem "chronic"?

A problem is considered "chronic" when it is long-lasting or frequently recurs over an extended period. This distinguishes it from acute or temporary problems.