persisting problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"persisting problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate a problem that has long-lasting effects or one which is difficult to solve. For example: "This persisting problem of global poverty has proven difficult to solve in the past."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Still, the reader would do well to pay heed to the authors' comment after suggesting that eating two small beets in the morning may cure constipation: "If, after trying these remedies, you still have a persisting problem, you should see a health professional".

The New York Times - Health

A persisting problem with the use of Lagrange multipliers in X-FEM has been the discretization of the Lagrange multipliers.

Journal of Computational Physics

However, one persisting problem is the ambiguity existing in the phases of the carrier waves transmitted by satellites.

Earth, Planets and Space

Initial phase of the film growth and its morphology is a persisting problem in the physics of thin films and in a wide range of technological applications, too.

Nanoscale Research Letters

We conclude that overeducation is a persisting problem that affects immigrants over the long run to a greater extent than it does native workers.

IZA Journal of Migration

A persisting problem for this account concerns the resolution of conflicts between obligations that arise out our associational commitments (say, our families) and those that arise directly out of the general principle (say, to assist the world's needy).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Adolescent siblings risk persisting problems in daily functioning.

European Journal of Cancer

Despite persisting problems, the authors are optimistic that not all obstacles will remain.

Environmental Sciences Europe

When these patients suffer persisting problems, they will probably return to their GP instead of to the ED.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

While impaired arm function was short-lived for some, a subgroup of women reported persisting problems longer term [ 5].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

WASHINGTON — Mitt Romney has a persisting Mormon problem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal reports, this phrase effectively signals that previous attempts to solve an issue have not yet fully succeeded.

Common error

While often interchangeable, "persisting" is a participle that emphasizes the action of the problem continuing, whereas "persistent problem" focuses on the attribute of the problem itself. Avoid using "persisting" if you are describing a person's character trait rather than a situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persisting problem" functions as a noun phrase where "persisting" acts as a present participle used adjectivally to modify "problem". According to Ludwig, it is used to denote a state of non-resolution that carries into the present moment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "persisting problem" is a highly effective and grammatically correct phrase for describing unresolved issues in a variety of formal contexts. While it is slightly less common than its counterpart "persistent problem", it provides a nuanced emphasis on the ongoing nature of the difficulty. Ludwig AI indicates that it is particularly prevalent in Scientific and Academic writing, where precision regarding the duration of a state is required. Whether you are writing a research paper, a news article or a business report, this phrase serves as a sophisticated way to signal that a challenge remains active and requires further attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent problem

Uses the standard adjective form to describe a quality of the problem rather than its ongoing state

recurring issue

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the problem over time

chronic issue

Employs medical or technical terminology to denote long-term duration

lingering challenge

Suggests a problem that remains even after efforts to resolve it

ongoing difficulty

Emphasizes the current, continuous nature of the struggle

enduring complication

Highlights a problem that has lasted through significant periods or changes

remaining obstacle

Focuses on the problem as a barrier that has not yet been removed

unresolved matter

Shifts the tone to a more administrative or neutral description of an open case

continuous concern

Highlights the persistent worry or attention the problem demands

perpetual hurdle

Uses more metaphorical language to describe an seemingly never-ending problem

FAQs

How to use "persisting problem" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an unresolved issue, such as: "The "persisting problem" of food insecurity requires immediate international attention."

What is the difference between "persisting problem" and "persistent problem"?

Both are correct, but "persistent problem" is much more common. "Persisting" emphasizes that the state is ongoing right now, while "persistent" describes a constant quality.

Can I use "recurring issue" as a synonym?

Yes, but "recurring issue" implies the problem goes away and comes back, while a "persisting problem" typically means it never left.

Is "persisting problem" formal enough for academic writing?

Yes, Ludwig shows it is frequently used in high-level academic journals like the "Journal of Computational Physics" and "Critical Care".