dreadful problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dreadful problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is very serious or distressing. Example: "The community is facing a dreadful problem with rising crime rates that needs immediate attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

This may still sound like a dreadful problem.

The New York Times

This is a dreadful problem, well described by Mr Miliband in previous speeches: a "cost of living crisis" that reflects a longer-term progression towards a low-wage, low-productivity economy.

The Economist

So it is a dreadful problem for them.

BBC

Emergence of daptomycin-nonsusceptible (DNS) Staphylococcus aureus is a dreadful problem in the treatment of endocarditis.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Then TI dropped out, after selling its DRAM business to America's Micron last June.Hitachi now faces such dreadful problems, with losses likely to exceed ¥260 billion this year, that potential partners are steering clear.

The Economist

Taylor noted the "massive public support and interest" the national game commanded, despite the dreadful problems then disfiguring it; the crowds, which mostly braved it then only at the big games, were waiting to flock back.

The Guardian - Sport

But both firms have been spurred to act by the dreadful problems Boeing had in getting the 787 in the air and keeping it there, several of which were blamed on quality problems along the extended supply chain.The two planemaking giants now watch the firms that provide components far more closely including sending inspectors to their factories.

The Economist

South Africa has a dreadful crime problem, and its thieves seem especially prone to cruelty, so this part of the story appeared plausible enough.

The New York Times

The project is being supported by Jonathan Reynolds, the MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, who said the report marked an "another important step finding a solution to the dreadful traffic problems suffered by people in my constituency".

Independent

As for China, one can only hope that its dreadful pollution problems will drive it to new technologies and cleaner fuels, and that other nations will find it in their interest to do the same.

The New York Times

"On the adoration scale Joan Armatrading (but dreadful technical problems), James Dean Bradfield and Rebecca Evans; for insights writers Patrick Jones and Lawrence Marks (half of Marks and Gran); fun Frank Hennessy live from Washington and Hairy Biker, Si King (me corpsing off air continuously!).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dreadful problem", ensure the context reflects a genuinely severe or distressing situation. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where the issue has significant negative consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "dreadful problem" to describe minor inconveniences or trivial matters. This phrase carries a strong connotation of severity, and misusing it can dilute its impact when describing truly serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dreadful problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dreadful" modifies the noun "problem", emphasizing its severity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dreadful problem" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that effectively conveys a sense of severe concern about a given issue. While Ludwig identifies it as valid, it's important to reserve its use for genuinely serious or distressing scenarios. It appears most frequently in news and media, indicating its relevance in discussing significant issues. Alternatives like "terrible issue" or "grave concern" can offer similar meanings, allowing writers to adjust the tone as needed. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact, so mindful application is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

terrible issue

Replaces "dreadful" with "terrible" and "problem" with "issue", maintaining a similar level of severity.

awful predicament

Substitutes "dreadful" with "awful" and "problem" with "predicament", indicating a difficult or unpleasant situation.

grave concern

Replaces "dreadful" with "grave" and "problem" with "concern", suggesting a serious matter needing attention.

dire situation

Changes "dreadful" to "dire" and "problem" to "situation", highlighting the urgency and severity of the matter.

critical challenge

Replaces "dreadful" with "critical" and "problem" with "challenge", framing it as a significant obstacle.

serious difficulty

Substitutes "dreadful" with "serious" and "problem" with "difficulty", indicating a substantial obstacle.

significant setback

Replaces "dreadful problem" with "significant setback", framing it as a hindrance to progress.

major crisis

Changes "dreadful problem" to "major crisis", emphasizing the severity and potential consequences.

pressing issue

Substitutes "dreadful" with "pressing" and "problem" with "issue", highlighting the urgency of the matter.

alarming development

Replaces "dreadful" with "alarming" and "problem" with "development", indicating a worrying trend or event.

FAQs

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

You can use "dreadful problem" to describe a very serious or distressing situation. For example: "The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a "dreadful problem" in healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "dreadful problem"?

Alternatives include "terrible issue", "grave concern", or "dire situation" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "dreadful problem" is appropriate in formal writing when describing a genuinely serious issue. However, consider the specific tone and audience; a more neutral phrase like "serious difficulty" may be preferable in some contexts.

What makes "dreadful problem" different from "bad problem"?

"Dreadful problem" implies a much greater degree of severity and distress compared to "bad problem". "Dreadful" emphasizes the negative impact and potential consequences to a greater extent.