prevalent problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"prevalent problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an existing problem that is widespread or widespread in a particular area. For example, "Global warming is a prevalent problem facing our planet right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Low back pain (LBP) is another very prevalent problem, affecting over 30 million Americans [ 3– 5], with the lifetime prevalence estimated at 75 85% [ 6].

BioMed Research International

"It's a prevalent problem.

The New York Times

"Human trafficking is an increasingly prevalent problem in today's society.

The Guardian

"Abortion isn't such an issue, because getting pregnant isn't such a prevalent problem among my peers".

The New York Times - Style

Fiona Brooks, professor of adolescent and child health at the University of Hertfordshire, who led the investigations for last year's HBSC report, identifies this as a prevalent problem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Elderly people represent another demographic for whom loneliness is often a prevalent problem, with one million saying they feel chronically lonely, according to the charity Age UK.

The Guardian

He adds: "It's a simple product but the shortage of water is such a prevalent problem that so often people in remote areas have to work for half a day to get water.

The Guardian

However, access to relevant geodata is a prevalent problem.

Environmental Sciences Europe

It has become a prevalent problem and has caused concern all over the world.

Journal of Hydro-environment Research

In the development of new antidepressant treatments, the failed study has unfortunately become a prevalent problem.

Journal of Affective Disorders

Child maltreatment is a serious and prevalent problem in the United States.

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prevalent problem", ensure the context clearly establishes the scope and impact of the problem to emphasize its widespread nature.

Common error

Avoid using "prevalent problem" when referring to niche issues. Reserve it for issues that genuinely affect a significant portion of a population or system.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prevalent problem" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object. It identifies a specific issue that is widespread. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

57%

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prevalent problem" is a common and acceptable way to describe a widespread issue, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including science, news, and business. While alternatives like "common issue" or "widespread issue" exist, "prevalent problem" specifically emphasizes the broad presence of the issue. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the scope and impact of the problem. Ludwig's examples show its use in discussing issues ranging from low back pain to technology-related challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widespread issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" while retaining the sense of broad occurrence.

common issue

Substitutes "prevalent" with "common", indicating frequency rather than dominance.

frequent occurrence

Shifts from a problem-focused term to highlighting how often something happens.

rampant phenomenon

Uses "rampant" to emphasize uncontrolled spread; "phenomenon" instead of "problem".

pervasive challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", framing it as something needing overcoming.

ubiquitous difficulty

Emphasizes that the difficulty is everywhere using "ubiquitous".

general concern

Frames the problem as a widespread worry or concern.

established concern

This alternative highlights the concern is already established.

major obstacle

Shifts the focus to the impact of the problem, framing it as a significant barrier.

significant impediment

Presents the problem as something that hinders progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "prevalent problem" to describe an issue that is widespread. For example, "Cybersecurity threats are a "prevalent problem" for businesses today".

What are some alternatives to "prevalent problem"?

Alternatives include "common issue", "widespread issue", or "frequent occurrence". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "very prevalent problem"?

While not strictly redundant, "very prevalent problem" can often be simplified to "widespread problem" or "common problem" for a more concise expression. Emphasizing the degree of prevalence is acceptable if needed.

What is the difference between "prevalent problem" and "isolated incident"?

"Prevalent problem" describes an issue that occurs frequently and affects many, whereas "isolated incident" refers to a single, contained occurrence. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of frequency and impact.