problematic situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "problematic situation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation which is difficult, troubling or complicated. For example: "John found himself in a very problematic situation when his car suddenly broke down in a remote area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It could create a problematic situation," he said.

The New York Times

"It is a very sensitive and problematic situation.

The New York Times

"We are able to cope even with such a problematic situation.

The New York Times

The problematic situation of women was not to be underestimated, not that Liz was in danger of committing this error.

The New Yorker

"It's that problematic situation of being from two places, and not fitting into either one," she said.

The New York Times

"It's a very sweet and often problematic situation where people feel like they know me and they're concerned for me," he said by phone from Los Angeles recently.

The New York Times

Later, he emphasized that American nuclear officials were working with Japanese government and industry officials on the evolving and problematic situation at the nuclear plants.

The New York Times

We describe a problematic situation in using this approach.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

Figure 8 A problematic situation in terms of detection stop.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It creates a very problematic situation for the banks.

Forbes

This paper reports on a comprehensive solution to this problematic situation.

Decision Support Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "problematic situation", be specific about the nature of the problem. Provide context to help your audience understand the complexities involved.

Common error

Avoid using "problematic situation" as a generic term without providing specific details. Instead, clearly articulate the problem and its specific impact. For example, rather than saying 'The project faces a problematic situation', specify 'The project faces delays due to funding shortages'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "problematic situation" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "problematic" modifies the noun "situation". According to Ludwig AI, it's a common expression in English. It identifies a scenario characterized by challenges, difficulties, or undesirable aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

44%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "problematic situation" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a circumstance filled with difficulties or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including News & Media and Science. To enhance clarity in writing, be specific about the nature of the problem rather than using the phrase vaguely. Consider using alternatives like "difficult situation" or "tricky situation" to fine-tune the meaning. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "problematic situation" to communicate complex issues with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tricky situation

Emphasizes the need for careful handling; implies potential for negative consequences if not managed well.

difficult situation

Focuses on the challenge and effort required to resolve the issue.

troublesome situation

Highlights the annoyance and inconvenience caused by the issue.

sensitive situation

Indicates a need for caution and discretion due to potential emotional or political ramifications.

complex situation

Stresses the intricate and multifaceted nature of the issue, requiring a comprehensive understanding.

awkward predicament

Highlights the uncomfortable and embarrassing nature of the issue.

unfavorable circumstance

Focuses on the negative aspects and potential disadvantages of the situation.

challenging scenario

Highlights the difficulty and the necessity to overcome obstacles

delicate matter

Highlights the sensitivity and potential for offense or harm.

thorny issue

Indicates a complex and difficult problem with no easy solution.

FAQs

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

You can use "problematic situation" to describe a circumstance that presents difficulties or challenges. For example: "The company's financial instability created a "problematic situation" for its employees".

What can I say instead of "problematic situation"?

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

Is it better to say "problematic situation" or "difficult situation"?

Both ""problematic situation"" and "difficult situation" are correct, but "difficult situation" is generally more common and less formal. "Problematic situation" may suggest a more complex or concerning issue.

What are some examples of "problematic situation" in academic writing?

In academic writing, ""problematic situation"" might be used to describe a research gap, methodological challenge, or ethical dilemma within a study or field.