dire issue

USAGE SUMMARY

'dire issue' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe a serious or urgent problem or situation. For example, "The dire issue of increasing poverty in this country must be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Overcrowding is a dire issue in Maula prison.

The Guardian

I hope that America can do better, that we can address the dire issue of poverty, of income inequality, of the jobs crisis without resorting to demagoguery and divide-and-conquer strategies that only weaken our nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a really stark, really dire issue, and it's a growing problem," said Sunita Patel, a lawyer at the Center for Constitutional Rights in New York who is part of an international working group of legal advocates and mental health providers seeking more protective rules.

The New York Times

Malnutrition is a dire issue in the developing world.

Huffington Post

These munificent spirits selflessly set aside their unfathomably important lives in addressing such a dire issue.

Huffington Post

More importantly though, Christie's endorsement has highlighted a dire issue facing the Republican Party.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Thomas L. Friedman is letting our political leaders off too easily by merely saying they lack the "imagination and will" to tackle these dire issues.

The New York Times

Correcting this assumption is more than a matter of embittered punitive nitpicking; it's a matter of maintaining fidelity to historical facts so that we might more appropriately confront the dire issues of the present.

The Washington Post

In Newcastle, even the escapist pleasures of sport are weighted with the reminder of dire issues: the £83m that has been taken out of the city's economy every year by benefit cuts, or the fact that the Northeast has the highest rate of unemployment in the UK.

The Guardian

In many ways, the government shutdown is taking place over political emblems, rather than dire issues that would either deadlock the left or the right.

Forbes

Of concern were the myriad critical and dire issues facing social media right now.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dire issue" when you want to emphasize the urgency and severity of a problem, signaling that immediate attention and action are required.

Common error

Avoid using "dire issue" in contexts where the problem is not genuinely serious or urgent. Using it for minor inconveniences can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dire issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dire" modifies the noun "issue", emphasizing the severity and urgency of the matter. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in describing serious problems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dire issue" is a grammatically correct and effective way to describe a serious and urgent problem. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English to emphasize the criticality of a matter. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, "dire issue" conveys a sense of urgency that prompts immediate attention. Alternatives such as "critical problem" or "urgent matter" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the context warrants the level of seriousness it implies to avoid sounding overdramatic. Always aim for precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical problem

Replaces "dire" with "critical", emphasizing the importance and urgency of the issue.

critical situation

Similar to "critical problem" but emphasizes the overall circumstances.

urgent matter

Shifts from "issue" to "matter", highlighting the need for immediate attention.

urgent problem

Highlights the time-sensitive nature of the problem, requiring immediate action.

serious concern

Replaces "dire issue" with a more general expression denoting importance and worry.

severe problem

Similar to "serious problem", but emphasizing the intensity of the issue.

grave situation

Emphasizes the seriousness and potentially negative outcomes of the issue.

serious problem

A more straightforward and less intense way of expressing a significant issue.

pressing challenge

Focuses on the difficulty and need for a solution regarding the issue.

acute crisis

Highlights the sudden and severe nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "dire issue" to describe a pressing problem that needs immediate attention. For example, "Climate change is a "dire issue" that requires global cooperation".

What are some alternatives to using "dire issue"?

Some alternatives include "critical problem", "urgent matter", or "serious concern", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "dire issue" is suitable for formal writing, especially when addressing significant and urgent problems. However, ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

What's the difference between "dire issue" and "serious issue"?

"Dire issue" emphasizes a greater sense of urgency and potential for negative consequences compared to "serious issue". "Dire" suggests a more critical and pressing situation.