nagging problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"nagging problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to refer to a problem or issue that persists, continues, or recurs frequently. For example: "My nagging problem with my computer keeps reappearing no matter how many times I fix it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Homelessness also is a nagging problem.

The New York Times

And yet a nagging problem bothers its policymakers.

The Economist

But investigators were bothered by a nagging problem.

The New York Times

The other day I was working on a pet coding project and came up with a clever little hack that solved a nagging problem.

TechCrunch

For female characters, likability is a nagging problem.

Huffington Post

There's just one nagging problem between the two men.

The Washington Post

Unfortunately, a nagging problem afflicts this generally delightful book.

The New York Times - Books

It used to be a nagging problem, when personal computers came with cumbersome manuals.

The New York Times

Subsequently, the put-down has encapsulated for many the party's nagging problem with retaining female voters.

The New York Times

Tight, dull and parched skin can be a nagging problem come winter.

The New York Times

We have had a nagging problem of a loose source, a leak here.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nagging problem", ensure the context clearly indicates that the problem is persistent or recurring, rather than a one-time event.

Common error

Avoid using "nagging problem" for issues that are truly catastrophic or immediately critical; the term implies persistence more than immediate danger or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nagging problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "nagging" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It serves to describe an issue that is persistent and somewhat irritating, but not necessarily critical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nagging problem" effectively communicates a persistent and recurring issue. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that this expression is most commonly found in news and media, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral level of formality. It’s important to consider the severity of the issue when using this phrase, as it’s best suited for problems that are more irritating than catastrophic. Remember to leverage alternatives like "persistent issue" or "recurring difficulty" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", suggesting a broader, less severe concern.

recurring difficulty

Substitutes "nagging" with "recurring" and "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the repetitive nature of the challenge.

lingering concern

Changes "problem" to "concern", implying worry or anxiety that remains.

unresolved matter

Focuses on the lack of resolution, shifting the emphasis from the problem's nature to its current state.

chronic challenge

Uses "chronic" to highlight the long-lasting nature of the problem, suggesting it is ongoing and potentially difficult to eradicate.

persistent headache

Replaces "problem" with "headache", framing the issue as something annoying and bothersome.

vexing question

Changes "problem" to "question", suggesting a difficult or puzzling issue that needs to be addressed.

ongoing struggle

Emphasizes the effort and difficulty involved in dealing with the problem.

stubborn obstacle

Highlights the resistance and difficulty in overcoming the problem.

perennial dilemma

Implies the problem is a recurring and unavoidable situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "nagging problem" to describe a persistent or recurring issue. For example, "The company's "nagging problem" with employee retention continues to affect productivity."

What can I say instead of "nagging problem"?

You can use alternatives like "persistent issue", "recurring difficulty", or "lingering concern" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "nagging problem" and a "serious problem"?

Yes, a ""nagging problem"" implies persistence and recurrence, while a "serious problem" emphasizes severity, regardless of whether it's recurring.

When is it appropriate to use the term "nagging problem"?

It's appropriate to use ""nagging problem"" when describing an issue that has been present for some time and continues to cause concern or inconvenience, even if it's not necessarily a crisis.