complicated problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"complicated problem" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you need to describe a problem that has multiple facets or is difficult to solve. For example, "We're dealing with a complicated problem: how to reduce emissions from our factories while maintaining production levels."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It turns out that traffic is a deceptively complicated problem.

The Washington Post

We introduce a new problem that was motivated by a (more complicated) problem arising in a robotized assembly environment.

Theoretical Computer Science

It was a really complicated problem.

Forbes

Simple Answers to a Complicated Problem.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I love complicated problems.

The Guardian

"In Palestine farmers have complicated problems.

The Guardian

Complicated problems may be referred to consulting, above.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The prime minister strives to make complicated problems simple.

The Economist

But calculus is applied to more complicated problems.

The Washington Post

The journalist Lawrence Wright possesses a knack for clarifying complicated problems.

The New York Times

This, in turn, frees up TA time to give personalized attention to more complicated problems.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "complicated problem" with a brief explanation or example that illustrates its complexity, such as "a complicated problem, involving multiple stakeholders and conflicting priorities".

Common error

Avoid using "complicated problem" as a vague descriptor. Instead, specify the layers of complexity involved. For example, instead of saying "the project faces a complicated problem", state "the project faces a complicated problem involving budget constraints, tight deadlines, and resource allocation conflicts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complicated problem" functions as a noun phrase where "complicated" modifies the noun "problem". It serves to describe a situation or issue that is not straightforward and involves multiple interconnected elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complicated problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the multifaceted nature of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It appears across diverse fields, including news, science, and academia, signifying its broad applicability. To maximize clarity, it is essential to specify the layers that made it "complicated". While alternatives like "complex issue" and "intricate challenge" exist, "complicated problem" remains a direct and widely understood expression for describing intricate challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", implying a matter of public concern or debate.

intricate challenge

Substitutes "complicated" with "intricate", highlighting the detailed and interwoven nature of the challenge.

convoluted situation

Uses "convoluted" and "situation" to suggest a tangled and confusing state of affairs.

difficult predicament

Replaces "complicated" with "difficult" and "problem" with "predicament", emphasizing the challenging and troublesome aspect.

thorny question

Employs "thorny" to describe a problem that is difficult to handle and may cause pain or trouble.

vexing matter

Substitutes "problem" with "matter" and uses "vexing" to indicate something that causes annoyance or worry.

challenging puzzle

Replaces "problem" with "puzzle", suggesting a situation that requires ingenuity and skill to resolve.

knotty dilemma

Uses "knotty" to describe a problem that is intricate and difficult to untangle.

complex conundrum

Synonymous replacement that stresses the confusing and difficult nature of the problem.

unresolved predicament

Uses "unresolved" to highlight that the predicament is still not solved.

FAQs

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

You can use "complicated problem" to describe issues that are not straightforward and involve many interconnected factors. For example, "Solving climate change is a "complicated problem" that requires international cooperation".

What are some alternatives to "complicated problem"?

Alternatives include "complex issue", "intricate challenge", or "convoluted situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "complex problem" or "complicated problem"?

Both "complex problem" and "complicated problem" are correct and often interchangeable. "Complex" suggests a problem with many interconnected parts, while "complicated" suggests it's difficult to understand or solve. The choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

What makes a problem "complicated" versus simply "difficult"?

A "difficult" problem might be hard to solve due to a lack of resources or skills. A "complicated problem", however, is characterized by numerous interacting parts, making it challenging to analyze and address effectively.