ominous problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ominous problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is threatening or foreboding in nature. Example: "The team faced an ominous problem that could jeopardize the entire project if not addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And he seemed determined to take on even the most complicated and ominous problem of all: climate change.

The New Yorker

His health setback in 2008 was an ominous problem that can affect anyone: a cancerous cyst on a kidney had to be removed.

The New York Times

A particularly ominous problem has been a new series of attacks by Iraqi soldiers and policemen, or at least extremists dressed like them, from Mosul to Habbaniya.

The New York Times

Whoever wins will face the ominous problem of performance-enhancing drugs, which threaten the legitimacy of every performance at the Winter and Summer Games.

The New York Times - Sports

So with events, for the moment, at a standstill, and poor Greece saddled with another, albeit less ominous problem, we may take a moment to ask essential questions: Is it a "freedom" flotilla, a "peace" flotilla or, as some have called it, a "provocation" flotilla?

The New York Times

Perhaps the most ominous problem is that the "austerity" plan that Italy is supposed to accept is being run by financial interests of the IMF and the EC.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Tuberculosis is flooding the country, producing what some authorities are calling the world's largest outbreak of the drug-resistant variety, one of medicine's most ominous problems.

The New York Times - Science

Tuberculosis is flooding the country, producing what some authorities are calling the largest outbreak in the world of one of medicine's most ominous problems, drug-resistant TB.

The New York Times

In a time of ominous global problems, the example of Dag Hammarskjold could provide important guidance in that search.

The New York Times

For public officials in California's neighboring states and elsewhere in the West, these sound like ominous political problems.

The New York Times

[Page A1.] Neighbors Point Finger at California Public officials in Western states have ominous political problems like soaring electricity rates and deregulation plans in turmoil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ominous problem" to describe situations where there's a sense of foreboding or a perceived threat looming, not just any difficult situation. For instance, an "ominous problem" in climate change suggests more than just challenges; it implies a potentially catastrophic future.

Common error

Avoid using "ominous problem" for minor inconveniences or routine difficulties. Overusing it can dilute its impact, making your writing sound melodramatic when a simpler term like "difficult issue" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ominous problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "ominous" modifies the noun "problem". According to Ludwig AI, this construction is used to describe issues that are not only difficult but also carry a sense of impending danger or threat. The adjective intensifies the gravity of the situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ominous problem" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, mainly employed to depict situations carrying a sense of foreboding or looming danger. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently found in news and media contexts, and less commonly in more informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the issue at hand to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases like "serious threat" or "grave concern" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

threatening issue

Replaces "problem" with a more general term "issue", and "ominous" with "threatening", focusing on the potential harm rather than a sense of foreboding.

foreboding challenge

Substitutes "ominous" with "foreboding", highlighting the predictive aspect of a negative outcome, and "problem" with "challenge", suggesting difficulty to be overcome.

grave concern

Replaces "ominous problem" with a phrase emphasizing the seriousness and worry associated with a particular situation.

serious predicament

Replaces the original phrase to focus on a difficult, dangerous, or embarrassing situation.

worrying development

Focuses on an event or series of events that cause anxiety or concern.

inauspicious situation

Highlights the unfavorable or unlucky nature of the circumstances.

alarming trend

Replaces the static "problem" with a dynamic "trend", emphasizing a pattern that causes concern.

critical difficulty

Stresses the importance and severity of the problem.

impending crisis

Focuses on the imminence and severity of a looming problem.

troubling matter

A more understated way of describing something that causes concern or anxiety.

FAQs

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

You can use "ominous problem" to describe a situation that is threatening or suggests that something bad is likely to happen. For example: "The spread of the new virus is an "ominous problem" for global health."

What phrases can I use instead of "ominous problem"?

Alternatives to "ominous problem" include "serious threat", "grave concern", or "foreboding challenge", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Ominous problem" suggests a threat or impending danger, while "serious problem" simply indicates a problem that is important and requires attention. The former carries a stronger sense of foreboding.

When is it appropriate to use "ominous problem" in writing?

Use "ominous problem" when you want to emphasize the threatening or foreboding nature of a situation. It's particularly effective when discussing issues with potentially severe or catastrophic consequences, such as environmental crises or public health emergencies.