problematic issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"problematic issue" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It refers to a troublesome subject or situation that needs to be addressed. For example, "The small business owners are facing a problematic issue of rising costs in the downtown area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then there's the equally problematic issue of what sectors these apprenticeships are in.

The Guardian

"The most problematic issue, bar none, is soil compaction," Dr. Bassuk said.

The New York Times

The most problematic issue may be his stand on illegal immigration.

The New York Times

(Ms. Kendall's case for Ivanova as a muse is a different and problematic issue).

The New York Times - Books

Insurance coverage is a problematic issue for the car start-ups.

The Guardian

"I'm easily personally silenced, and in the public sphere, speech for women remains a deeply problematic issue".

The Guardian - Books

And there is the equally problematic issue of missile defense, starting with the basic rationale for having such a thing.

The New York Times

The response from the Foreign Office was effectively to suggest that this would only be a problematic issue if Britain wanted to use such evidence in court.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most problematic issue raised but not resolved here, however, is the question of what criteria are to be invoked when assessing empire.

The Guardian - Books

And another problematic issue it raises is how to compare cities in vastly different economic situations – is it fair to compare the developing and developed urban worlds?

The Guardian

As with a lot of Disney entertainment products, "The Lion King" confronts the problematic issue of trying to delight children and their parents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic issue", ensure that the context clearly explains why the issue is considered problematic. Provide specific details or examples to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic issue" as a generic descriptor for any problem. Be specific about the nature and impact of the issue to provide more clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic issue" functions as a noun phrase, where "problematic" modifies the noun "issue". Ludwig AI identifies it being used to pinpoint a specific concern or difficulty that needs attention or resolution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "problematic issue" is a frequently used phrase that effectively highlights a specific problem or challenge. As verified by Ludwig AI, it maintains grammatical correctness and relevance across various contexts. Its neutral register and high source quality, according to Ludwig, make it a versatile choice for writers aiming to convey concern and prompt action. While alternatives like ""challenging situation"" or ""difficult matter"" offer subtle variations, "problematic issue" remains a direct and widely understood way to identify a subject needing careful attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging situation

Replaces "issue" with "situation" and "problematic" with "challenging", focusing on the difficulty presented.

difficult matter

Substitutes "problematic" with "difficult" and "issue" with "matter", emphasizing the complexity.

troublesome aspect

Replaces "problematic" with "troublesome" and "issue" with "aspect", highlighting the bothersome nature.

complex question

Uses "complex" instead of "problematic" and "question" in place of "issue", stressing the intricate nature.

sensitive topic

Emphasizes the delicate nature of the "issue", suggesting caution is needed.

thorny subject

Highlights the prickly or complicated nature of the subject matter.

delicate predicament

Conveys a sense of vulnerability and risk associated with the issue.

unsettled question

Highlights the lack of resolution and ongoing debate surrounding the issue.

contentious point

Focuses on the disagreement and conflict associated with the "issue".

vexing problem

Emphasizes the frustrating and annoying nature of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "problematic issue" in a sentence?

You can use "problematic issue" to describe a situation that causes difficulties or challenges. For example, "The lack of funding is a "problematic issue" for the research team."

What are some alternatives to "problematic issue"?

Alternatives include "challenging situation", "difficult matter", or "troublesome aspect", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "problematic issue"?

While "issue" often implies a problem, "problematic issue" can be used for emphasis when the issue is particularly complex or troublesome.

What's the difference between "problematic issue" and "sensitive issue"?

"Sensitive issue" refers to a topic that requires careful handling due to its potential to cause offense or controversy, while "problematic issue" refers to a situation causing difficulty or challenges.