overwhelming problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is extremely difficult to manage or solve. Example: "The community is facing an overwhelming problem with homelessness that requires immediate attention and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Well, this isn't an overwhelming problem.

The Guardian - Film

That seems to me to be an overwhelming problem".

The Guardian

Then there is the overwhelming problem of poverty.

The New York Times

It's part of the overwhelming problem of maintaining and modernizing American infrastructure.

The New York Times

Segregating cars and pedestrians was the only sensible solution to the overwhelming problem of traffic congestion.

The New York Times

"It's an overwhelming problem," said Dr. Charles Berde, chief of pain medicine at Children's Hospital Boston.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

It presents overwhelming problems for you and overwhelming problems for your allies.

The New Yorker

By these standards, Mexico still faces overwhelming problems.

The New York Times

The voters deserve better in an era of overwhelming problems.

The New York Times

"There are moments in history when only courts can address overwhelming problems.

The Guardian

Our overwhelming problems must finally convince us that the childish illusions of our infant days have come to an end.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as an "overwhelming problem", provide specific details to illustrate its scope and impact. This adds clarity and strengthens your argument or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming problem" as a vague descriptor. Always ensure the context genuinely warrants such a strong term, and avoid exaggerating minor issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming problem" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "overwhelming" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically sound and commonly used. The phrase describes a problem of great magnitude or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe issues of significant magnitude. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, with News & Media being the most frequent. While there are semantically similar alternatives like "insurmountable issue" or "formidable challenge", it's essential to use "overwhelming problem" judiciously, ensuring the described situation genuinely warrants such a strong characterization. To use this expression with maximum effect you can always add a detail to illustrate its scope and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insurmountable issue

Emphasizes the impossibility of overcoming the problem.

unmanageable difficulty

Focuses on the inability to handle the problem effectively.

formidable challenge

Highlights the intimidating and demanding nature of the problem.

daunting obstacle

Emphasizes the discouraging and overwhelming nature of the barrier.

massive predicament

Indicates a substantial and troublesome situation.

critical dilemma

Stresses the urgency and importance of the problem.

significant crisis

Highlights the severity and potential consequences of the problem.

major setback

Focuses on the hindering effect the problem has on progress.

severe complication

Emphasizes the complex and serious nature of the problem.

tremendous adversity

Highlights the hardship and suffering caused by the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "overwhelming problem" to describe a situation that is extremely difficult to handle or solve. For example: "The city is facing an "overwhelming problem" with traffic congestion".

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming problem"?

Alternatives include "insurmountable issue", "formidable challenge", or "massive predicament", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "overwhelming problem"?

Yes, the phrase "overwhelming problem" is grammatically correct and widely used in English. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness and frequency in various contexts.

What makes a problem "overwhelming"?

A problem is considered "overwhelming" when its scale, complexity, or impact is so significant that it feels difficult or impossible to manage effectively.