overarching problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'overarching problem' is a valid, common phrase used in written English to describe a problem that has a broad, overarching scope.
For example, "The overarching problem in this political situation is how to effectively manage differences in opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But these fixes, she argues, won't solve the overarching problem.

The Washington Post

That, though, was the limit of Johnson's bravado, and this speaks to the Jets' overarching problem.

The New York Times - Sports

There is one overarching problem which is behind all the others: it subsumes global warming, pollution, the ozone hole, shortages of basic ingredients.

The Guardian

A classical approach to address complex problems is to break them down into more manageable sub-problems, solve these separately and then aggregate the results into a solution for the overarching problem.

Security Informatics

Thematic analysis was employed for the textual data using MAXQDA 10.The overarching problem is that there is a perceived severe shortage of skilled health workers (doctors, nurses, and midwives) and lab technicians, especially in primary health facilities and rural areas.

Duke University

I think the overarching problem with the U.S. health care system is that the economic incentives involved are misaligned, and that creates huge market failure so that market forces don't work effectively for patients, and that results in two major problems.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's hardly surprising, given the mayhem and misery across the Middle East, that people who know and care about the region are scratching their heads trying to explain, never mind solve, its overarching problems.

The Guardian

Identifying errors and alternate conformers and modeling multiple main-chain conformers in poorly ordered regions are overarching problems in crystallographic structure determination that have limited automation efforts and structure quality.

Structure

But the Administrations of both parties thought we had one thing that sets us apart from lonelier powers like China and Russia, and that's the capacity to invest in alliances and mobilize other countries, whether it's to deal with challenges to regional order or big overarching problems, like the one existential problem that faces us today, which I'm convinced is climate change.

The New Yorker

But the overarching problems burdening not only the world's poor, but the earth itself will remain undaunted and unchecked.

Huffington Post

Once you learn the overarching problems, like the three-year-old wanting some autonomy over his playtime or the teenager wanting to confess his alcoholism.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overarching problem", ensure the issue you're describing genuinely encompasses many smaller, related issues. It should be the root cause or the most significant challenge within a complex situation.

Common error

Avoid using "overarching problem" to describe simple or isolated issues. This phrase implies a widespread, systemic challenge, not a minor inconvenience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overarching problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in identifying a central or dominant issue affecting a system or situation. Ludwig AI confirms it is valid and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overarching problem" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a central or dominant issue that encompasses numerous related problems. According to Ludwig, it is a valid and frequently used phrase. Its use is most prevalent in news and media, science, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the problem is genuinely widespread and significant, avoiding its misuse for minor issues. Alternatives such as "central issue" or "primary challenge" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central issue

Highlights the core aspect of the problem.

major concern

Highlights the worrisome aspect of the problem.

dominant issue

Highlights the prevalence and influence of the problem.

primary challenge

Focuses on the difficulty aspect of the problem.

core trouble

Focuses on the central and essential nature of the difficulty.

fundamental difficulty

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the problem.

principal dilemma

Focuses on the difficult choice or situation the problem presents.

key obstacle

Stresses the hindering nature of the problem.

chief predicament

Emphasizes the troublesome nature of the problem.

main stumbling block

Highlights the problem as an impediment to progress.

FAQs

How to use "overarching problem" in a sentence?

You can use "overarching problem" to describe a central or dominant issue that affects many aspects of a situation. For example, "The "overarching problem" is the lack of funding for education."

What can I say instead of "overarching problem"?

You can use alternatives like "central issue", "primary challenge", or "fundamental difficulty" depending on the context.

Is "overarching problem" formal or informal?

"Overarching problem" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, as seen in news reports, academic papers, and business documents. It is generally not considered informal.

What's the difference between "overarching problem" and "main problem"?

"Overarching problem" implies a problem that encompasses many related issues, while "main problem" simply refers to the most significant problem. The "overarching problem" is a higher-level, more encompassing issue than the main problem.