disturbing issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disturbing issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a topic or problem that causes discomfort or concern. Example: "The report highlighted a disturbing issue regarding the rise in cyberbullying among teenagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Conflict minerals are a disturbing issue.

The Economist

This situation has highlighted another disturbing issue.

The New York Times

But the ranking raises a more fundamental, disturbing issue.

The New York Times

An even more disturbing issue is that the report's analysis repeatedly uncovers major holes in the new framework.

The Guardian

We must not too quickly forget the larger and much more disturbing issue of our increasingly violent culture.

The New York Times

Mr. Dabbagh said that while "politically it might be a disturbing issue," another panel in Parliament had the power to consider appeals by disqualified candidates.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

While such work raises disturbing issues, nothing is inappropriate for the young artists' American peers.

The New York Times - Arts

Can they grapple with disturbing issues, or does the act of playing a game inherently trivialize things?

The New York Times - Arts

But it raises a number of disturbing issues that may get lost in the tumult of the moment.

The New York Times

That fear was the flare that lit the path to discovering my narrator, Eileen Dunlop, and ways by which she could narrate through these complex and disturbing issues.

The Guardian - Books

McBroom said her interviews revealed potentially disturbing issues surrounding sterilisation targets, although none of the women said they had been physically forced to attend.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disturbing issue" when you want to convey a sense of unease or concern about a particular problem or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "disturbing issue" as a vague descriptor. Always provide specific details about why the issue is disturbing to ensure clarity and impact. Without proper context, the phrase can lose its effectiveness and sound like an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disturbing issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "disturbing" modifies the noun "issue". It's used to identify a specific topic or problem that is causing concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly and correctly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disturbing issue" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a problem or situation that causes concern or unease. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to science and formal business communications. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify why the issue is considered disturbing. While alternatives like "troubling matter" or "alarming concern" exist, "disturbing issue" remains a versatile and effective choice for highlighting significant problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubling matter

Replaces "disturbing" with "troubling", suggesting something that causes worry or concern.

alarming concern

Substitutes "disturbing" with "alarming", emphasizing the potential danger or threat.

worrying problem

Replaces "disturbing" with "worrying" and "issue" with "problem", focusing on the anxiety caused.

concerning development

Shifts the focus to a "development" that is "concerning", suggesting unease about a trend.

serious predicament

Replaces "disturbing issue" with "serious predicament", highlighting the gravity and difficulty of the situation.

unsettling situation

Substitutes "disturbing" with "unsettling", focusing on the feeling of unease or discomfort the situation causes.

vexing question

Replaces "disturbing issue" with "vexing question", emphasizing the challenging and perplexing nature of the question.

grievous concern

Substitutes "disturbing" with "grievous", emphasizing the severity and seriousness of the concern.

problematic situation

Replaces "disturbing" with "problematic", highlighting the difficulties and challenges associated with the situation.

disconcerting aspect

Replaces "issue" with "aspect" and "disturbing" with "disconcerting", highlighting the unsettling nature of a particular facet.

FAQs

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

You can use "disturbing issue" to describe a problem or situation that causes concern or unease. For example, "The report highlighted a disturbing issue regarding the rise in cyberbullying among teenagers."

What can I say instead of "disturbing issue"?

You can use alternatives like "troubling matter", "alarming concern", or "worrying problem" depending on the specific context.

What makes an issue "disturbing"?

An issue is considered "disturbing" when it causes unease, worry, or concern due to its potential negative impact or implications. This can include ethical violations, safety concerns, or any situation that deviates from expected norms.

Is "disturbing issue" a formal or informal phrase?

"Disturbing issue" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider alternatives like "concerning development" or "serious predicament" for a more nuanced tone.