distressing problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distressing problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or issue that causes significant worry or discomfort. Example: "The team is currently facing a distressing problem that requires immediate attention to prevent further complications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It is a very distressing problem.

The Guardian

Eating disorders remain a distressing problem and increasingly sufferers include young men.

The Guardian - Opinion

All of this fuels the increasingly distressing problem of mental ill-health.

The Guardian - Opinion

She began to describe the terrible charley horses that Ong knew were a common and distressing problem among the elderly.

The New York Times - Magazine

His new film, "The Invisible War," made in collaboration with Amy Ziering, addresses the shockingly common, profoundly distressing problem of sexual assault in the United States military.

The New York Times

Neurally mediated syncope is a common and frequently distressing problem.

American Heart Journal

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Secondly, you are learning a vocation - learning how to interact with people with all manner of unusual, embarrassing or distressing problems.

The Guardian

He has had distressing problems with women, been to jail and then imprisoned even more tightly by alcohol and drug addiction.

The Guardian - Sport

The captain of the British men's athletics team had found himself handling far more distressing problems earlier in the week when his former training companion, Jason Livingston, failed a drug test and was packed off home.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr. Marc N. Potenza, the lead researcher, speculated that the different choices of games reflected a possible difference in motivation: that women might gamble "as a means of escape from distressing problems," while men might "more often seek ego enhancement through the thrill of competitive risk-taking".

The New York Times - Health

What legislators did not do, and will not do in the last few sessions, is enact legislation addressing any of New Jersey's abiding, agreed-upon, even distressing problems: property taxes, education financing, sprawl, auto pollution, a depleted Transportation Trust Fund and a campaign finance system that promotes influence-peddling.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "distressing problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is experiencing distress. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "distressing problem" in overly casual or informal settings. Simpler terms like "annoying issue" or "inconvenient situation" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distressing problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "distressing" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a situation or issue that causes significant emotional or psychological distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

60%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distressing problem" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a situation causing significant emotional or psychological discomfort. As per Ludwig AI's assessment, it's considered appropriate for use in written English. The phrase appears primarily in news and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "troubling issue" or "worrisome situation", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider the emotional impact when using this phrase, and avoid overuse in overly informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling issue

Emphasizes the problematic nature and potential for concern.

worrisome situation

Highlights the anxiety or concern the problem causes.

concerning matter

Focuses on the importance of the problem and the need for attention.

unsettling predicament

Suggests a disturbing and difficult situation to resolve.

alarming development

Highlights the potential danger or negative consequences.

unfortunate circumstance

Downplays the severity, focusing on bad luck or chance.

grave concern

Emphasizes the seriousness and potential long-term effects.

challenging situation

Focuses on the difficulty and need for effort to overcome the problem.

complex dilemma

Highlights the intricate nature and lack of easy solutions.

delicate matter

Focuses on the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

FAQs

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

You can use "distressing problem" to describe a situation that causes worry, anxiety, or emotional pain. For example: "Child sexual abuse is a "distressing problem" for society to solve."

What are some alternatives to "distressing problem"?

Some alternatives include "troubling issue", "worrisome situation", or "concerning matter", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "distressing problem"?

It's appropriate to use "distressing problem" when describing situations that cause significant emotional or psychological discomfort. It is suitable for formal and semi-formal contexts.

What is the difference between "distressing problem" and "difficult problem"?

"Distressing problem" emphasizes the emotional impact of the problem, while "difficult problem" focuses on the challenge of solving it. A difficult problem may not necessarily be emotionally distressing, and vice versa.