most alarming problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most alarming problem" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing an issue that is particularly concerning or urgent. For example, "The most alarming problem we face is climate change." Alternative expressions include "most concerning issue" and "most troubling matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The most alarming problem for many ordinary Japanese businesses has been a credit squeeze.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

President Bush has rightly called attention to one of the world's most alarming problems, the quickening spread of nuclear weapons technology, but proposes a disappointingly limited series of responses.

The New York Times

It is not surprising or not even particularly controversial that public health discourses concerning inactivity, fitness and body weight affect the content of school subjects concerned with issues of health, especially when these health problems are often highlighted as the most alarming health problems for society's citizens (Gard and Wright 2005).

Critical Public Health

In the early 1930s, fluorosis was reported only in four states of India, in 1986 it was 13, in 1992 it was 15, in 2002 it was 17, and now it is 20, indicating that endemic fluorosis has emerged as one of the most alarming public health problems of the country (Ayoob and Gupta 2006).

Applied Water Science

In early (1986), fluorosis was reported only in 13 states of India, in 1992 it was 15, in 2002 it was 17 and now it is more than 19, indicating that endemic fluorosis has emerged as one of the most alarming public health problems in the country.

Applied Water Science

"The Avandia case may be the most alarming example of the problem with this setup".

The New York Times - Health

The problem is most alarming in urban areas, especially in the fast expanding cities of the developing world, where unprecedented wetland destruction is leading to recurring environmental disasters.

Global Environmental Change

The most alarming thing seems to be the growing problems of intra-religious dialogue.

The New York Times

The contagion caused by spiralling borrowing costs leaping from one country to the next was one of the most alarming features of the crisis and it explained how problems in tiny Greece could threaten the single currency as a whole.

The Economist

Moreover, Pakistan, nuclear-armed and deeply unstable, is not a threat only to India; it is now the world's problem, the epicenter of many of today's most alarming security risks.

The New Yorker

What is most alarming is that today's trends are all reinforcing these problems.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most alarming problem", ensure that the context clearly establishes why the problem is particularly concerning or urgent. Provide specific details to justify the alarm.

Common error

Avoid using "most alarming problem" casually. Overusing strong language can diminish its impact. Ensure the severity of the issue warrants such a strong descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most alarming problem" functions as a noun phrase where "most alarming" acts as a modifier, intensifying the significance of the "problem". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

56%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most alarming problem" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the urgency and potential danger of a specific issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for formal and neutral contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business communications. While phrases such as "most concerning issue" or "most pressing concern" can serve as alternatives, "most alarming problem" conveys a greater sense of immediate threat. Therefore, judicious use is advised to maintain its impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most concerning issue

Replaces "alarming" with "concerning", softening the intensity of the problem.

most troubling matter

Substitutes "alarming" and "problem" for "troubling" and "matter", offering a slightly more formal tone.

most worrying situation

Changes "problem" to "situation", indicating a focus on circumstances rather than a defined issue.

most pressing concern

Replaces "alarming problem" with "pressing concern", emphasizing urgency.

most critical challenge

Frames the "problem" as a "challenge", suggesting a need for action and resolution.

most serious difficulty

Uses "serious difficulty" to convey the gravity of the issue.

biggest cause for alarm

Rephrases to highlight the "cause" of alarm rather than the problem itself.

greatest source of worry

Shifts the focus to the "source" of worry, rather than a specific problem.

primary cause for concern

Similar to "most concerning issue", but specifies the "primary cause".

main cause for apprehension

Emphasizes a feeling of unease or fear about the issue.

FAQs

How can I use "most alarming problem" in a sentence?

You can use "most alarming problem" to describe an issue that is particularly concerning or urgent. For example, "The "most alarming problem" we face is the increasing rate of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "most alarming problem"?

Alternatives include "most concerning issue", "most troubling matter", or "most pressing concern". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "most alarming problem" or "most concerning problem"?

Both "most alarming problem" and "most concerning problem" are grammatically correct. "Most alarming problem" implies a higher degree of urgency and potential danger, while "most concerning problem" is slightly milder. The better choice depends on the severity of the issue you are describing.

When should I use "most alarming problem" instead of "serious problem"?

Use "most alarming problem" when you want to emphasize the urgent and potentially dangerous nature of the problem. If the problem is simply severe but not necessarily posing an immediate threat, "serious problem" may be more appropriate.