societal problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "societal problem" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a problem or issue that affects society as a whole, rather than just individuals. Example: "Racism is a deep-rooted societal problem that has plagued our country for decades." In this sentence, "societal problem" is used to describe racism as a widespread issue that affects the entire society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They're a societal problem".

The New York Times - Sports

It is a societal problem.

The Guardian

"This is a societal problem.

The New York Times

So, does the societal problem go deeper?

Independent

He also called steroids "a societal problem".

The New York Times

It's a societal problem" said Mr. Astrada.

The New York Times

It's a societal problem too little addressed.

The New York Times - Science

It's not a football problem, it's a societal problem.

The Guardian - Sport

And isn't this a wider societal problem anyway?

The Guardian

"I also think that it's a societal problem," he continued.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

These days, designers have a rather different role as societal problem-solvers, leading the way to a cleaner, better future.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "societal problem", provide specific examples and data to support your claims and illustrate the scope and impact of the issue. Use concrete evidence to strengthen your argument and convince your audience of the problem's significance.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "societal problem" without sufficient evidence. While it's important to highlight the issue's significance, making unsubstantiated claims can weaken your argument. Focus on presenting factual information and avoid hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "societal problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an issue or condition that negatively impacts a significant portion of society, requiring collective attention and action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "societal problem" is a widely used and grammatically correct term that describes issues impacting a significant portion of society. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. Alternatives include "societal issue", "community problem", and "social problem", each offering slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure your claims are supported by evidence and avoid overgeneralizations to maintain credibility. By understanding its usage and context, you can effectively communicate about important issues and contribute to meaningful discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social problem

A more general term emphasizing the social aspect of the problem.

societal issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", offering a slightly less negative connotation.

societal challenge

Emphasizes the difficulty in addressing the problem.

community problem

Focuses on the impact at a local or community level.

public problem

Highlights that the problem affects the public at large.

communal problem

Similar to "community problem", but emphasizes shared ownership of the issue.

systemic problem

Highlights the problem lies within the societal structure.

sociological problem

Highlights the origin and nature of the problem.

widespread problem

Focuses on the extent and prevalence of the problem.

pervasive issue

Highlights the omnipresence of the problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "societal problem" to describe any issue that affects a large group of people or society as a whole. For example, "Poverty is a complex "societal problem" that requires comprehensive solutions."

What's a good alternative to "societal problem"?

Depending on the context, you could use "societal issue", "community problem", or "social problem".

Is it correct to say "social problem" instead of "societal problem"?

Yes, "social problem" and "societal problem" are often used interchangeably. However, "societal problem" might emphasize a more systemic or widespread impact than "social problem".

What are some examples of "societal problems"?

Examples of "societal problems" include issues like climate change, poverty, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare. These are complex issues that affect society as a whole.