social ills

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social ills" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the negative effects of a particular aspect of society, such as poverty, crime, discrimination, or inequality. For example, you can say, "We must all strive to reduce social ills and create a fairer society for all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Disasters exaggerate social ills.

The New York Times - Science

Ehrlich passes quickly over these social ills.

The New York Times - Books

But social ills never fixed themselves.

The Guardian

"We can't cure all social ills".

The New York Times

But technological solutions do not usually solve deep social ills.

The Economist

How to block the propagation of hereditary social ills?

The New York Times

Postindependence Ukraine witnessed the growth of numerous social ills.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nevertheless, many blame immigrants for London's social ills.

The New York Times

Deprived childhoods lay the groundwork for future social ills.

The New York Times

Human nature is the alibi for economically determined social ills.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were scapegoated as the vector of all social ills.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "social ills", be specific about which issues you're addressing (e.g., poverty, crime, inequality) to avoid vague generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "social ills" as a generic term for all societal problems. Instead, identify the specific issues to provide clarity and avoid sounding cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social ills" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies negative conditions or problems that affect a society. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "social ills" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to negative conditions affecting society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts to discuss issues like poverty, crime, and inequality. When using this phrase, it's helpful to be specific about the particular issues you're addressing to provide clarity and avoid generalizations. While ""social problems"" can be used as a broader alternative, "social ills" implies a more profound and detrimental impact on society.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social problems

Very similar; "problems" is a more general term than "ills".

societal problems

Broader term; encompasses any issue affecting society, not necessarily negative.

social challenges

Emphasizes the difficulty in addressing or overcoming societal problems.

community issues

Focuses on problems within a specific community, implying a more local scope.

societal maladies

"Maladies" implies a more medical or pathological view of societal problems.

social deficiencies

Highlights the lack of something positive or necessary within society.

social injustices

Specifically refers to unfair or inequitable aspects of society.

social injustices

Focuses specifically on aspects of society that are unfair or unjust.

urban blight

Specifically refers to the decay and degradation of urban areas.

systemic inequalities

Focuses on inequalities that are embedded in the structure of society.

FAQs

What are some examples of "social ills"?

"Social ills" encompass a wide range of societal problems, including poverty, crime, discrimination, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate education. The specific "social problems" considered "ills" can vary depending on cultural and ethical perspectives.

How can I use "social ills" in a sentence?

You can use "social ills" to discuss problems affecting society, such as: "The government is implementing new policies to address "societal ills"", or "Education can be a powerful tool in combating "community issues"."

What's the difference between "social ills" and "social problems"?

While often used interchangeably, "social ills" suggests a more profound and detrimental condition compared to "social problems". "Social ills" often implies a moral or ethical dimension, highlighting the negative impact on society's well-being. "Social problems" is a more neutral and encompassing term.

What are some alternative phrases to "social ills"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternative phrases like ""social problems"", "societal challenges", ""community issues"", or "systemic inequalities" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.