problematic person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'problematic person' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has a lot of problems or who is hard to deal with or be around. For example, "My ex-boss was a very problematic person; he seemed to always create more problems than he solved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Does the problematic person not have the abilities or resources to completed the job, or are they having other difficulties?

Huffington Post

In a culture so heavily saturated with these underlying prejudices, it's impossible to actively boycott the work of every problematic person unless you're willing to ostracize yourself completely from society.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Therefore if we have these people staying in Slovakia legally it's our duty to verify whether they have contacts with problematic persons," Mr Fico told Reuters.

Independent

In my experience, problematic persons are the most difficult for the survivors to release in death.

Huffington Post

The typology provides a methodological platform for the identification and quantification of problematic person-environment fit constellations.

BMC Public Health

Accordingly, the typology may serve as an inventory tool of problematic person-environment fit constellations with the potential to aid future instrument development useful for accessibility research.

BMC Public Health

We present a typology of problematic person-environment fit constellations classified along three dimensions: 1) accessibility problem range and severity 2) aspects of functioning 3) environmental context.

BMC Public Health

More specifically, we constructed a typology of problematic person-environment fit constellations, addressing accessibility problems in the built environment for persons with functional limitations.

BMC Public Health

Besides being an elegant solution for the extension of the EM to other environmental arenas, it provides a novel methodological platform for the identification and quantification of problematic person-environment fit constellations.

BMC Public Health

The underlying idea of problematic person-environment fit constellations is the assumption that environmental barriers as such do not generate accessibility problems, but may do so when connected to certain aspects of physical functioning [ 22].

BMC Public Health

This was accomplished by the construction of a typology of problematic person-environment fit constellations, utilizing an existing methodology developed to assess and analyze accessibility problems in the built environment.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic person", be specific about the nature of the problems they present to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic person" as a blanket label without explaining the specific issues or behaviors that make the person problematic. Provide context and examples.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic person" functions as a noun phrase, where "problematic" modifies the noun "person". It serves to categorize or label someone based on their perceived difficulties or negative impact. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problematic person" is grammatically correct and understandable, but relatively rare in usage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity for written English. It functions as a noun phrase to identify individuals who present difficulties or cause issues. Its tone is generally neutral, though it can carry negative connotations. When using this phrase, it's best to be specific about the nature of the problems to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "difficult person" or "challenging individual" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult person

Emphasizes the challenges in dealing with the person.

troublesome person

Highlights the person's tendency to cause trouble or annoyance.

person causing issues

More direct and explanatory.

tricky person

Focuses on the deceitful or manipulative aspects of the person's character.

person with difficulties

Softens the description by focusing on their struggles.

challenging individual

Replaces "person" with a synonym and softens the negative connotation.

uncooperative individual

Highlights a lack of willingness to work with others.

complex individual

Suggests that the person's difficulties stem from their intricate nature.

controversial figure

Highlights the person's tendency to spark disagreement or debate.

source of difficulty

Shifts the focus from the person to the problems they create.

FAQs

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

You can use "problematic person" to describe someone who consistently causes issues or difficulties. For example, "The employee was identified as a "problematic person" due to their constant tardiness and disruptive behavior."

What's a more formal alternative to "problematic person"?

In a more formal context, consider using alternatives like "challenging individual" or "person of concern". These options sound less accusatory.

Is it always negative to describe someone as a "problematic person"?

Yes, describing someone as a "problematic person" typically carries a negative connotation, as it implies they cause difficulties or have issues that need addressing. It's important to be mindful of the context and potential impact when using this phrase.

What are some other phrases that suggest someone is difficult to deal with, similar to "problematic person"?

Alternatives include "difficult person", "troublesome person", or "challenging individual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.