permanent problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "permanent problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or challenge that is ongoing and unlikely to be resolved in the foreseeable future. Example: "The city has been struggling with a permanent problem of traffic congestion that affects daily commutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But I don't think this is a permanent problem.

The Guardian

Onstad: It is a permanent problem, describing what you do when you do an obscure comic.

The New Yorker

Hunting bears is not a solution to a problem, but a commitment to a permanent problem.

The New York Times

How is he doing?The permanent problem at the National Theatre has had little to do with art or artistry.

The Economist

Bear hunting is not a solution to a problem but rather a commitment to a permanent problem.

The New York Times

"Besides the physical reconstruction, besides the establishment of government, besides some political activities and programs, the problems of human resources will be a permanent problem," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Poland could even become a permanent problem-child of the EU, and more restless young people would go on the dole.The best, though least likely, scenario is a return to strong growth, around the 4-6% rate seen in the late 1990s.

The Economist

Q. Are ballet dancers likely to have permanent problems with their feet?

The New York Times

Over time, excessive drinking can cause everything from short-term memory lapses to more permanent problems.

Harvard University

But even in less extreme cases, repeated concussions can lead to permanent problems with thinking, learning, memory, and emotions.

Harvard University

The challenge is to avoid such temporary solutions from becoming permanent problems.In this section Uncle Sam visits his restive neighbours Martin, the inquiry and the ghosts Perilous crossing Swept away ReprintsSome lessons have been learned from past disasters.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "permanent problem", ensure that the context clearly indicates the long-lasting and potentially unresolvable nature of the issue. Avoid using it for temporary setbacks or easily fixed situations.

Common error

Be careful not to label an issue as a "permanent problem" if there's a reasonable chance of resolution. Using less definitive terms might be more appropriate for evolving situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "permanent problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'permanent' modifies 'problem'. It describes a situation or issue characterized by its enduring and potentially unresolvable nature. Ludwig indicates that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "permanent problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a long-lasting or seemingly unresolvable issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and usable. It sees frequent use in News & Media, Science, and Academia, often highlighting persistent social, economic, or health-related challenges. While interchangeable with alternatives like "chronic issue" or "enduring challenge", it's important to ensure its usage accurately reflects the potentially unending nature of the problem being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lasting issue

Replaces 'permanent' with 'lasting', implying a problem that continues for a significant duration.

persistent difficulty

Substitutes 'problem' with 'difficulty', suggesting a challenge that repeatedly occurs.

enduring challenge

Replaces both 'permanent' and 'problem' to convey a long-lasting and demanding situation.

chronic predicament

Emphasizes the ongoing and troublesome nature of the problem.

unresolved matter

Focuses on the lack of resolution for the problem, highlighting its continued existence.

continuous struggle

Highlights the ongoing effort required to deal with the problem.

recurrent complication

Indicates that the problem reappears or happens again and again.

perpetual crisis

Suggests the problem creates a state of ongoing emergency or instability.

fixed obstacle

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming or moving past the problem.

inescapable dilemma

Suggests the problem is a difficult choice between undesirable options that cannot be avoided.

FAQs

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

You can use "permanent problem" to describe situations such as: "The city has a "permanent problem" with traffic congestion", or "Pollution has become a "permanent problem" in this area".

What are some alternatives to "permanent problem"?

Consider using alternatives like "chronic issue", "enduring challenge", or "persistent difficulty" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "permanent problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "permanent problem" is suitable for formal writing, but ensure it accurately reflects the issue's long-term nature. In some cases, a more nuanced term might be preferable to avoid exaggeration.

What's the difference between "permanent problem" and "temporary setback"?

"Permanent problem" indicates a long-lasting, potentially unresolvable issue, while "temporary setback" refers to a short-term obstacle that is expected to be resolved.