outstanding issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "outstanding issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or concern that has not yet been resolved or addressed. Example: "The outstanding issue regarding the budget needs to be discussed in the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Abortion is perhaps the most contentious outstanding issue.

The New York Times

Another outstanding issue regards the chemical agent VX.

The New York Times

One outstanding issue is the length of those purchase contracts.

The New York Times

The prosecutor won't say if there's some outstanding issue that's holding things up.

The New York Times

Its future is the most important outstanding issue remaining to be settled.

The New York Times

In Bulgaria, the biggest outstanding issue is the belated and partial reforms of law and order.

The Economist

There is still an outstanding issue: Will the performance gap between minority and white students close?

The New York Times

The main outstanding issue is the timing of an industry recovery.

The New York Times

He rejected Hunt's claim that Saturday was the only outstanding issue dividing the two sides.

The Guardian

"The outstanding issue for them is their continued reliance on S.U.V.'s and trucks," Mr. Toprak said.

The New York Times

"If you short more than 3% of the outstanding issue, you should disclose," says Hugh Hendry of Odey Asset Management.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outstanding issue", ensure that the context clearly indicates what steps are being taken or need to be taken to resolve the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "outstanding issue" without specifying the issue itself. Always clarify what the "outstanding issue" is to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "outstanding" modifies the noun "issue". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to identify a problem, concern, or subject that remains to be resolved or addressed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outstanding issue" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a problem or matter that remains unresolved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate across various registers, including news, business, and academic writing. While versatile, it's essential to provide clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "unresolved matter" or "pending question" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to be specific about the nature of the "outstanding issue" to ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresolved matter

This alternative uses a more neutral tone, focusing on the lack of resolution.

pending question

This phrase emphasizes the aspect of a question that remains to be answered or decided.

open question

Focuses on the aspect of a question that has no definitive answer.

unsettled point

This alternative highlights that an agreement or decision has not yet been reached.

remaining problem

This emphasizes that a problem is not yet solved, focusing on a difficulty that still exists.

unaddressed concern

This phrase puts more emphasis on the fact that the concern has not been taken care of.

lingering question

Implies that the question has been around for a while without a solution.

existing dilemma

This phrase implies a situation with equally undesirable choices.

the elephant in the room

This idiom refers to an obvious problem or issue that no one wants to discuss.

bone of contention

This idiom refers to a subject that causes disagreement or argument.

FAQs

How can I use "outstanding issue" in a sentence?

You can use "outstanding issue" to refer to a problem or concern that has not yet been resolved. For example: "The main "outstanding issue" is the budget allocation for the next quarter." or "There are still some "outstanding matters" to address before the project can be completed."

What's the difference between "outstanding issue" and "unresolved matter"?

"Outstanding issue" and "unresolved matter" are quite similar. "Outstanding issue" may slightly emphasize the aspect of something requiring immediate attention, while "unresolved matter" is a bit more neutral.

What can I say instead of "outstanding issue" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "pending question" or "unsettled point". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to use "outstanding issue" in business writing?

Yes, "outstanding issue" is perfectly acceptable in business writing. It's a clear and professional way to refer to matters that require further attention or resolution. However, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity to avoid any ambiguity.