prolonged problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"prolonged problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a problem that has been ongoing for a long time. For example, "The prolonged problem of global warming has yet to be adequately addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The other thing you can get is an infection, leading to a more prolonged problem with septicaemia in a vulnerable individual.

Independent

"The banks were quick to be accommodating for one billing cycle, but if this is a prolonged problem, there is a limit to how accommodating they can be," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Some emerging economies, especially those that relied on foreign debt finance, will face prolonged problems.

The Economist

The officials acknowledged that the surge might exceed what was experienced in Hurricane Irene, and that it might require shutting off steam pipes, might damage underground electrical systems and might even flood subway tunnels, which could cause prolonged problems.

The New York Times

Although some research and modelling exists regarding hospital surge capacity for major incidents, this generally relates to 'big bang' single incidents rather than 'rising tide' prolonged problems [ 7- 11].

Critical Care

But in the long run it prolongs the problem.

The New York Times

This in turn could make the campaign ineffectual, prolonging the problem of terrorism".

The Guardian - Books

But the subsidies only prolong the problem, because next year, and every year until it disappears, the subsidy declines by $2.2 million.

The New York Times

I didn't want anyone to say that since you were making money you were prolonging the problem.

The New York Times

Rich moisturiser is useful, but until you remove the dead, flaky skin, all cream will do is paste it down, prolonging the problem and making crepey lines look worse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU As Dr. Barbara Greenberg, a psychologist and an author of "Teenage as a Second Language," observed, "The more you make it an issue, the more you'll prolong the problem".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prolonged problem", clearly define the context and scope of the problem to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the area affected or the consequences of the issue.

Common error

Avoid using "prolonged problem" as a generic placeholder. Instead, provide specific details about the nature and impact of the problem to make your writing more informative and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prolonged problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "prolonged" modifies the noun "problem". It describes a situation or issue that has been ongoing for an extended period. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a problem that has been ongoing for a long time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prolonged problem" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe issues persisting over time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s appropriate for various contexts, including News & Media and Science, where clear communication is key. While versatile, it’s important to provide specifics when using this phrase to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Related phrases, such as "long-lasting issue" or "persistent difficulty", offer alternative ways to express the same idea, each with slightly different nuances. Understanding these nuances and avoiding generic use will help strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-lasting issue

Substitutes 'prolonged' with 'long-lasting' and 'problem' with 'issue', implying a difficulty that persists for an extended duration.

persistent difficulty

Replaces "prolonged" with "persistent" and "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the ongoing nature of the challenge.

chronic issue

Uses "chronic" to emphasize the long-term and recurring nature of the problem, implying a deep-seated difficulty.

protracted challenge

Employs "protracted" and "challenge" to suggest a drawn-out and demanding problem.

ongoing struggle

Replaces "problem" with "struggle", highlighting the effort required to deal with a continuous difficulty.

lingering concern

Uses "lingering" to suggest a problem that remains present and "concern" to convey a sense of worry about it.

enduring predicament

Substitutes "prolonged" with "enduring" and "problem" with "predicament", suggesting a lasting and troublesome situation.

sustained setback

Replaces "problem" with "setback", shifting the focus to the negative impact of the prolonged situation.

nagging issue

Uses "nagging" to convey the persistently bothersome nature of the issue.

drawn-out ordeal

Replaces "problem" with "ordeal", suggesting a difficult and prolonged experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "prolonged problem" to describe an issue that has been ongoing for a significant amount of time. For example, "The company is facing a "prolonged problem" with supply chain disruptions."

What are some alternatives to "prolonged problem"?

Alternatives include "long-lasting issue", "persistent difficulty", or "chronic issue", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "long-term problem" or "prolonged problem"?

Both "long-term problem" and "prolonged problem" are correct, but "prolonged problem" emphasizes the duration and ongoing nature of the issue, while "long-term problem" focuses on the extended period over which it exists.

What kind of issues can be described as a "prolonged problem"?

A "prolonged problem" can refer to various issues, such as "prolonged illness", economic downturns, supply chain disruptions, or social issues that persist over an extended period.