problematic problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"problematic problem" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to describe a problem that is difficult to solve or that causes a lot of issues or hardship. For example, "The foreclosure crisis has been a problematic problem for many homeowners."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But while I am quite sure that we will eventually find a way to deal with that junk (fire it into the sun, am I right?), a more problematic problem is that of fresh water.

TechCrunch

If they like to meet privately and harass you, you have a just as problematic problem.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sage Gateshead, 4 7 July Troilus and Cressida Multimedia magician Elizabeth LeCompte from New York's the Wooster Group takes on this most problematic of problem comedies.

The Guardian

From her point of view, this Newtonian conception of body is not inherently problematic; the problem arises when some Newtonians interpret the theory of universal gravity as proving that bodies have a property of attraction or attractive power endowed by God (Châtelet 1742: ch. 16, §385).

SEP

Analogously, if a woman experiences a lack of interest or pleasure in sex (including failure to experience orgasm from sex) and finds this problematic, the problem may not be a biological or mental illness.

Huffington Post

Sign up noWith gethehe best of VICE Canada delivered straight to your inbox.

Vice

However, mothers in the clinical group continued to view their child's behaviour as significantly more problematic (ECBI Problem Scale; t (81) = 2.21, p < .05) than mothers in the non-clinical comparison group.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Grab your problematic degrees problem.

WikiHow

Similarly, problems in usual activities were considered more problematic than problems with self-care in the 20-year time frame while the inverse was found for the 15-year time frame.

European Journal of Health Economics

When competing demands are conceptualized as dilemmas, they are framed as problematic, as problems to be solved (Li 2016, p. 47).

Journal of Organization Design

CPMS can be used to provide fast feedback to the site personnel regarding the most problematic construction problems such as these related to the monitoring of the construction process, quality of work, procurement of materials and productivity levels.

Visualization in Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "problematic problem" isn't incorrect, consider stronger synonyms like "intractable problem" or "complex issue" for greater impact and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic problem" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language to prevent redundancy and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic problem" functions as a noun phrase, where "problematic" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a situation or issue that is not only a problem but also causes further difficulties or complications. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase can be used to describe something difficult to solve or causing hardship.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "problematic problem" is grammatically correct but can be perceived as slightly redundant. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in describing issues that are difficult or cause hardship. While not incorrect, consider using stronger alternatives like "complex issue" or "intractable problem" for enhanced clarity and impact. The phrase appears across various contexts, including science, news, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. It's a valid way to emphasize the complexity of a situation, but mindful usage and consideration of synonyms can improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tricky problem

Replaces "problematic" with "tricky", suggesting a problem requiring skill or care to handle.

troubling problem

Substitutes "problematic" with "troubling", emphasizing the worrying aspect of the problem.

severe problem

Replaces "problematic" with "severe", highlighting the seriousness and potential consequences of the problem.

difficult issue

Uses "difficult issue" instead of "problematic problem", framing the situation as a complex matter to be resolved.

complicated problem

Replaces "problematic" with "complicated", focusing on the intricate and complex nature of the problem.

challenging problem

Substitutes "problematic" with "challenging", suggesting that the problem requires effort and skill to overcome.

intractable problem

Suggests the problem is stubborn and difficult to manage or solve.

troublesome problem

Emphasizes the annoyance and inconvenience caused by the problem.

sensitive problem

Suggests that the problem requires careful handling to avoid causing offense or further issues.

complex problem

Emphasizes the multiple facets and layers of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "problematic problem" to describe a situation that is both a problem and causes further issues. For example, "The lack of funding is a "problematic problem" for the research team."

What can I say instead of "problematic problem"?

You can use alternatives like "tricky problem", "difficult issue", or "complex problem" depending on the context.

Is "problematic problem" redundant?

While grammatically correct, "problematic problem" can be seen as somewhat redundant. Consider using a stronger or more specific term to enhance clarity and impact.

What makes a problem a "problematic problem"?

A "problematic problem" is not just a problem, but one that also causes additional difficulties, complications, or negative consequences, making it harder to resolve than a typical problem.