longstanding problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "longstanding problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a problem that has been an issue for a long time and has yet to be resolved. For example, "Poverty is a longstanding problem in many developing countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Another longstanding problem also resurfaced.

The New York Times

"This is a longstanding problem.

The New York Times

Dormitories had been another longstanding problem.

The New York Times

Well, he's been a longstanding problem for Federer.

The New York Times

"This has been a longstanding problem, and enough is enough".

The New York Times

Getting overtime costs under control has been a longstanding problem.

The New York Times

The products were developed by different companies in an effort to solve a longstanding problem.

The New York Times

The report also tackles the longstanding problem of domestic violence and sexual assault on the island.

The New York Times

"This is a symptom of a longstanding problem with the unemployment insurance programs," Mr. McHugh said.

The New York Times

It also needed to solve the longstanding problem of measuring emissions.

The New York Times

For Mr. Ponce, the explanation exposed a longstanding problem in the agency's perspective.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "longstanding problem", provide context about the specific problem and its impact. This helps the reader understand the significance of the issue and why it needs to be addressed.

Common error

Avoid using "longstanding problem" as a generic descriptor. Instead, be specific about the nature of the problem. For example, instead of saying "The company has a longstanding problem", specify "The company has a longstanding problem with customer retention due to poor service."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "longstanding problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "longstanding" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "problem". It indicates that the problem has existed for a considerable period. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "longstanding problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an issue that has persisted for a significant amount of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific context about the nature and impact of the problem to enhance clarity and emphasize its importance. While the phrase itself is straightforward, avoiding overuse and being specific will make your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent issue

Focuses on the continuous nature of the issue.

chronic difficulty

Emphasizes the enduring and recurring nature of the problem.

entrenched problem

Highlights the deeply rooted and difficult-to-change aspect of the issue.

age-old issue

Implies the problem has existed for a very long time, possibly centuries.

perennial challenge

Indicates a recurring problem that arises regularly.

recurring difficulty

Highlights the fact that the problem happens repeatedly.

long-term concern

Emphasizes the temporal aspect and the worry associated with the problem.

historical issue

Connects the problem to past events and history.

protracted difficulty

Highlights the extended duration of the difficulty.

enduring challenge

Stresses the lasting and resilient nature of the challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "longstanding problem" to describe an issue that has persisted for a significant amount of time. For example, "The city is trying to address the "longstanding problem" of traffic congestion".

What are some alternatives to "longstanding problem"?

Some alternatives include "persistent issue", "chronic difficulty", or "entrenched problem". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "long standing problem" grammatically correct?

No, the correct form is "longstanding problem" (one word). The single-word form functions as a compound adjective modifying the noun "problem".

What's the difference between "longstanding problem" and "recent issue"?

"Longstanding problem" refers to an issue that has existed for a considerable amount of time, while "recent issue" indicates a problem that has emerged or become significant in the near past.