protracted problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "protracted problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue or difficulty that has been ongoing for a long time and is not easily resolved. Example: "The company has been facing a protracted problem with supply chain disruptions that has affected its production schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

If central bankers allow inflation expectations to become unhinged, they will have a nasty, protracted problem on their hands.

The Economist

It will not be a short, sharp difficulty but a long, slow protracted problem for the government with the build-up to the court case and the trial itself likely to go on for months, he says.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Confusion about the content of technology releases and protracted problems with getting the system to work contributed to a growing gap between technology development and what system users expected," the NAO concluded.

The Guardian

We may also have to confront protracted problems, because we will have to shake up vested interests," said Li. "Sometimes stirring vested interests may be more difficult than stirring the soul.

The Guardian

Everyone should be frustrated with the travesty of humanitarian solutions being applied to protracted problems.

The Guardian

But the current foreign policy landscape features more protracted problems: an unpopular war in Afghanistan, a stalemate over Iran's nuclear program and an increasingly belligerent North Korea.

The New York Times

Hutton added: "The financial crisis and the protracted problems in its wake has opened up the debate about how well our economy is owned, run and managed.Good ownership is indissolubly linked to good capitalism".

The Guardian - Business

Dura had better finances coming into the current downturn than some of its competitors, but it would suffer from protracted problems at its big customers.

Forbes

Protracted problems quite as severe as the one at Marr College are likely to be relatively uncommon although the EIS said it has "significant anecdotal evidence" from members about secondary schools where children are not being taught by subject specialists.

BBC

The suit is likely to drag on for years, prolonging Microsoft's already protracted legal problems.

The Economist

"The market really hasn't priced in the risk for a really protracted budget problems with the states," Mr. Fitzgerald said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "protracted problem" when you want to emphasize the long duration and ongoing nature of a difficulty. Choose more specific alternatives if you need to highlight a particular aspect, such as severity or cause.

Common error

Avoid using "protracted problem" when the issue is acute but not necessarily long-lasting. Reserve it for situations that have been ongoing for a significant period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "protracted problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "protracted" modifies the noun "problem". It is used to describe a problem that lasts for a long time. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "protracted problem" accurately describes a long-lasting issue, suitable for various contexts. Ludwig AI analysis and examples show it's grammatically correct and common in news, media, and scientific publications. While synonyms exist, "protracted problem" specifically emphasizes duration, unlike alternatives that may focus on severity or recurrence. When writing, be sure to provide sufficient detail when discussing a "protracted problem", and avoid using it for short-term difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

long-term problem

Focuses on the duration of the issue, emphasizing its persistence over a considerable period.

longstanding issue

Emphasizes the established nature of the problem and its existence for a significant duration.

enduring difficulty

Highlights the persistence and resilience required to deal with the problem.

chronic challenge

Suggests that the problem is persistent and likely to recur over time.

persistent trouble

Emphasizes the continuous and recurring nature of the problematic situation.

ongoing struggle

Focuses on the continuous effort required to manage or overcome the problem.

perennial concern

Highlights the cyclical or regularly recurring nature of the worry or issue.

lingering crisis

Indicates that the critical situation has not fully resolved and continues to have effects.

extended setback

Emphasizes the prolonged hindrance or delay caused by the problem.

drawn-out affair

Suggests that the problem is taking a considerable amount of time to resolve, often longer than expected.

FAQs

What does "protracted problem" mean?

A "protracted problem" refers to a difficulty or issue that has been ongoing for a long time and is expected to continue for an extended period. It suggests that the problem is not easily resolved and requires a sustained effort to address.

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

You can use "protracted problem" to describe various situations, such as "The company has been facing a "protracted problem" with supply chain disruptions" or "The country is dealing with a "protracted problem" of unemployment.

What are some synonyms for "protracted problem"?

Alternatives to "protracted problem" include "longstanding issue", "long-term problem", "enduring difficulty", and "chronic challenge".

Is there a difference between "protracted problem" and "serious problem"?

"Protracted problem" emphasizes the duration of the issue, while "serious problem" highlights the severity of its impact. A problem can be both protracted and serious, but they describe different aspects of the issue.