outstanding problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"outstanding problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to unresolved issues or difficulties. For example, "The outstanding problem of climate change needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Algeria was, without doubt, the outstanding problem faced by France at the time.

The Guardian

The main outstanding problem is that of finding Mr bin Laden and his associates, more vulnerable now to American search-and-destroy operations but still very much at large.

The Economist

On "Sun," her demons come out in the form of a constant attempt to solve some outstanding problem; the album feels less like a series of songs than like eleven different ways to reflect the same anxious human.

The New Yorker

Outstanding problem loans at the group stood at 4.46 trillion yen $37 billionn), up 55percentt from the previous year, as Mitsubishi Tokyo toughened its criteria for bad loans.

The New York Times

He added: "The outstanding problem with retailing is that there is too much power in too few hands – and it's clearly going to get worse unless there is intervention from regulators".

The Guardian - Business

I-10 had to be an outstanding problem during the duration of Hurricane Katrina.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The outstanding problems are essentially limited to semiconductors and other electronics.

The New York Times

He has every tool at his disposal, and yet these outstanding problems remain.

The New Yorker

Our objective was, "to deal with all the outstanding problems in the Middle East".

The Guardian

The project was on track but outstanding problems on the lease needed to be resolved.

The Guardian

The fourth, Nima Arkani-Hamed, was recognised for "original approaches to outstanding problems in particle phsyics".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "outstanding problem", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the problem significant or unresolved. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "outstanding problem" in very casual conversations can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler terms like "issue" or "thing to fix" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outstanding problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "outstanding" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a particular kind of problem, indicating its importance or lack of resolution. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates its frequent use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outstanding problem" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that identifies a significant, unresolved issue. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalence across science, news, and formal business contexts. While its register leans towards neutral to formal, it remains a versatile expression. When using this phrase, remember to consider the audience and context to ensure appropriate tone and clarity. If a less formal alternative is needed, consider terms like "unresolved issue" or "lingering difficulty".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unresolved issue

Replaces "outstanding problem" with a more neutral term for an unresolved matter.

pending question

Shifts the focus to a question that remains to be answered or addressed.

unsettled matter

Emphasizes the lack of resolution in a formal or legal context.

lingering difficulty

Highlights the persistence of a problem over time.

persistent challenge

Frames the problem as a challenge that continues to exist.

unsolved mystery

Implies the problem is complex and lacks a clear explanation.

remaining obstacle

Focuses on the problem as a barrier to progress.

open question

Highlights that this problem still needs to be answered or solved.

vexing issue

Emphasizes the annoying and frustrating nature of the problem.

major hurdle

Positions the problem as a significant challenge that must be overcome.

FAQs

What does "outstanding problem" mean?

An "outstanding problem" refers to a significant issue or difficulty that remains unresolved or needs attention. It implies the problem is important and requires a solution.

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

You can use "outstanding problem" to describe various situations where a problem persists. For example, "The company's most outstanding problem is the lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to "outstanding problem"?

You can use alternatives like "unresolved issue", "pending question", or "lingering difficulty" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "outstanding problem" and "unresolved issue"?

While similar, "outstanding problem" often implies a more significant or pressing issue than a general "unresolved issue". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.