escalating problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "escalating problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is worsening or becoming more serious over time. Example: "The escalating problem of climate change requires immediate action from governments and individuals alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

The CAIR-FL issued a further statement in response to the weapon: "Sadly, this manufacturer's fancy new gun won't do anything to stop the real threat in America: the escalating problem of gun violence.

Independent

Repeated failures by local authorities to safeguard children from extremism is an "urgent and escalating problem", the head of Ofsted has told the government, in a scathing report that calls for close monitoring of areas where children are most at risk of radicalisation.

The Guardian

"When the epidemic was driven primarily by prescription opioids, we saw a smoldering and chronically escalating problem," he said.

Huffington Post

In addition, the occurrence of new transferable MBLs such as NDM-1 [ 8] is an indicator of a serious, evolving and escalating problem.

Biochemical Journal

The most recent data signal an escalating problem with buprenorphine.

The New York Times - Health

The escalating problem of child abuse is a far greater threat to society than previously assumed, it said, with "huge" numbers of paedophiles now scouring the internet.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

A police statement said it was to discuss "escalating problems of the criminal world".

The New York Times

He said escalating problems in Pennsylvania were indications that New York was wise to learn from the mistakes of others.

The New York Times

Sue wasn't the first patient that he'd seen for whom the Internet was causing substantial, escalating problems; that number had been rising slowly over the last few years, and his colleagues were reporting the same uptick.

The New Yorker

Theresa May has told the head of the NHS that it will get no extra money despite rapidly escalating problems that led to warnings this week that hospitals are close to breaking point.

The Guardian

Theresa May has told Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, that the health service will get no extra money, despite rapidly escalating problems that have led to warnings from the British Medical Association that hospitals are close to breaking point.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "escalating problem", provide context about what is escalating and why. Specificity enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "escalating problem" as a generic descriptor. Instead, clearly define the problem and how its escalation impacts the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "escalating problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "escalating" modifies "problem". It is used to identify and describe a situation or issue that is becoming progressively worse or more serious. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "escalating problem" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to describe a situation that is progressively worsening. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves to highlight the growing severity of an issue, prompting attention and action. While versatile, it's essential to provide specific context to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Alternative phrases like "growing concern" or "worsening situation" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worsening situation

Highlights the deteriorating state of affairs.

deteriorating condition

Highlights the declining state of something, often health or environment.

growing concern

Emphasizes the increasing worry or anxiety associated with a particular issue.

increasing difficulty

Emphasizes the rising level of challenge involved.

intensifying crisis

Suggests a critical point is being approached with increasing severity.

emerging crisis

Focuses on the beginning and rapid development of a critical situation.

mounting challenge

Focuses on the increasing difficulty in dealing with something.

expanding issue

Highlights the growing scope and reach of the problem.

aggravating factor

Points to something that is making a problem worse.

spiraling out of control

Suggests a loss of control over the situation, implying rapid worsening.

FAQs

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

You can use "escalating problem" to describe a situation that is becoming more severe or serious over time. For example: "The escalating problem of climate change requires immediate attention".

What can I say instead of "escalating problem"?

You can use alternatives like "growing concern", "worsening situation", or "intensifying crisis" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "escalating problem" and "increasing problem"?

While both phrases describe a problem that is growing, "escalating problem" often implies a more rapid and potentially dangerous increase in severity compared to "increasing problem".

How to determine if "worsening situation" is a better fit than "escalating problem"?

"Escalating problem" is more active, indicating something is actively worsening. "Worsening situation" is more passive and refers to the state of affairs.