intensifying problem

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Globally e-waste is an intensifying problem.

The Guardian

In a news conference on Thursday addressing Afghan attacks on Western forces, Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of American and NATO troops, confirmed that Afghan-on-Afghan attacks were seen as an intensifying problem.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The devolution in Syria, while welcome, presents a series of intensifying problems for Israel, its neighbor to the south.

The New York Times

In part, its pessimism is due to the intensifying problems of the eurozone, but Threadneedle Street also cited the squeeze on real incomes and the government's fiscal austerity as reasons for the depressed level of demand.

The Guardian

Faced with intensifying problems like a jump in homicides and Latin America's highest inflation rate, at more than 30percentt, Mr. Chávez is focusing on other political matters in addition to the re-election push.

The New York Times

He argues that the loss of a cultural leads to the extermination of self-worth in a society, intensifying problems of poverty, school drop-out rates, drug and alcohol abuse, and even suicide (Excerpt 3).

Language Testing in Asia

Climate change is intensifying problems that already threaten the Great Lakes' collapse.

Huffington Post

Those providers and advocates say that deployment can prompt or intensify problems that are direct causes of suicidal behavior, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse.

The New York Times

Barry Eichengreen and Peter Temin have argued* that fixed-exchange-rate systems "intensify problems when times are bad", especially when surplus countries insist that the deficit countries bear all the burden of adjustment.The banking crisis is creating more parallels.

The Economist

Now the fear is that Britain's departure from the EU will intensify problems for the world's second-biggest economy, which has invested heavily in the UK in recent years.

The Guardian - Business

In the sixties and seventies, public housing was for the poorest of the poor; in the eighties, federal funding for it was slashed; the nineties brought intensified problems with drugs and crime.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "intensifying problem", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is causing the problem to intensify. Provide specific details or examples to support the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "intensifying problem" as a generic phrase. Always specify the problem and its cause of intensification to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensifying problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "intensifying" acts as a present participle adjective modifying the noun "problem". Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intensifying problem" describes a problem that is becoming more severe. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in writing. It is most frequently found in news and scientific contexts. While "intensifying problem" is clear, providing specific context about the problem and its cause is crucial. Alternatives such as "worsening issue" or "escalating crisis" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

increasingly serious problem

Adds "increasingly serious" to emphasize the rising severity of the problem.

worsening issue

Replaces "intensifying" with "worsening" to indicate a decline in condition.

escalating crisis

Substitutes "problem" with "crisis" and "intensifying" with "escalating", suggesting a more urgent and critical situation.

growing concern

Replaces "intensifying problem" with a phrase indicating increasing worry.

aggravating situation

Uses "aggravating" to convey the problem is becoming more severe or annoying.

exacerbating difficulty

Employs "exacerbating" to emphasize the worsening effect on an existing difficulty.

compounding issue

Highlights that the issue is becoming more complex due to added factors.

mounting challenge

Indicates the problem is increasing in size or intensity.

heightening dilemma

Conveys that the dilemma is becoming more acute or pronounced.

deteriorating predicament

Replaces "problem" with "predicament" and uses "deteriorating" to show decline.

FAQs

How can I replace "intensifying problem" in my writing?

Alternatives include "worsening issue", "escalating crisis", or "growing concern", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean when a problem is described as "intensifying"?

It means the problem is becoming more severe, critical, or widespread over time. The effects or consequences are likely to be getting worse.

Is "intensifying problem" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "intensifying problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's often found in news reports and academic discussions. For more informal settings, simpler terms like "getting worse" might be preferred.

What kind of problems are typically described as "intensifying"?

The phrase can describe a wide range of issues, such as environmental crises, political instability, health concerns, or economic difficulties. The key is that the problem is actively growing in severity.