inherently problematic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inherently problematic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an issue or situation as having difficulty or complexity built into it. For example, "The shift to remote working has been inherently problematic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

-Is technology inherently problematic?

The New York Times

Television is inherently problematic for Republicans.

The New York Times

Writing about the oppression of others is inherently problematic.

The Guardian - Opinion

That makes the ownership of this art inherently problematic.

The Guardian - Arts

This film was always going to be inherently problematic.

The Guardian - Film

(Maybe quite nice, as dying with people seems inherently problematic, but that's another matter entirely).

The Guardian - Opinion

There's nothing inherently problematic about that, as long as it's not just that.

The New York Times

His agile tone provides the needed kick to an inherently problematic concept.

The New York Times - Books

Similarly, in a culture in which sharing has been long engrained, the concept of money is inherently problematic.

The Guardian - Film

So the way that beauty is understood often as being largely Caucasian and largely young is inherently problematic.

The Guardian

Many scientists think the whole exercise of trying to use natural variability to answer the cloud question is inherently problematic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "inherently problematic" to precisely describe situations where the problem is a fundamental, inseparable aspect of the issue, not merely an external factor.

Common error

Avoid using "inherently problematic" too frequently in your writing. While accurate, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "intrinsically flawed" or "fundamentally unsound" for better stylistic flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inherently problematic" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. According to Ludwig, it describes something as having problems that are fundamental and inseparable from its nature. It is used to express that the issue is not just a superficial or easily fixable one.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "inherently problematic" is a versatile expression used to describe issues with fundamental, unavoidable problems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academia sources, signaling a neutral register. To enhance writing, vary usage with alternatives like "intrinsically flawed" or "fundamentally unsound" to avoid repetition. When you use the phrase "inherently problematic", make sure that the problematic nature is a core aspect of the subject, not just a superficial issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrinsically flawed

This alternative emphasizes the presence of fundamental defects or weaknesses within the subject itself.

fundamentally unsound

Highlights the lack of a solid foundation or basis, making it unreliable or questionable from the start.

structurally deficient

Focuses on problems arising from the way something is organized or constructed.

constitutionally defective

Implies that the issue is present from the very beginning or at the core of the subject.

naturally difficult

Suggests that the problematic nature arises from the inherent qualities or characteristics of the subject, making it challenging by its very nature.

inescapably troublesome

This emphasizes that the problems are unavoidable and will inevitably cause difficulties.

unavoidably complex

Highlights the intrinsic complexity of the issue, suggesting that it cannot be simplified or easily resolved.

axiomatically uncertain

Highlights the problems derive from fundamental uncertainties and assumptions.

systemically faulty

This suggests that the problem is rooted in the overall system and not just isolated instances.

organically challenged

Emphasizes that the challenge comes from within the organic nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "inherently problematic" in a sentence?

Use "inherently problematic" to describe a situation where the problem is an integral and unavoidable aspect. For example, "The project's reliance on outdated technology made it "inherently problematic" from the start".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "inherently problematic"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "intrinsically flawed", "fundamentally unsound", or "structurally deficient".

Is it always negative to describe something as "inherently problematic"?

Yes, describing something as "inherently problematic" typically carries a negative connotation, as it suggests that the issue has fundamental flaws or difficulties that are difficult or impossible to resolve. In the other hand, the phrase can be used to point out the intrinsic nature of certain problems in a constructive manner.

What's the difference between "inherently problematic" and "potentially problematic"?

"Inherently problematic" implies that the problems are built-in and unavoidable, while "potentially problematic" suggests that problems might arise but are not necessarily guaranteed. Something "potentially problematic" may be addressed with preventive actions, something "inherently problematic" might be unfixable.