societal problems

USAGE SUMMARY

"societal problems" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to issues or difficulties that affect a particular society as a whole, such as poverty, drug abuse, or racism. For example, "Until we address the underlying societal problems, our community cannot move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Solutions for great and complex societal problems are rare.

The New Yorker

And misinformation can help perpetuate serious societal problems.

The Economist

We integrate fundamental, basic science with societal problems.

Cornell University

Entities customised specifically to solve complex societal problems.

Futures

Drug treatment centers have long been places where societal problems collect.

The New York Times

Yet these diseases are at the root of many current societal problems".

The Guardian

The prison at Osny manifests all these societal problems in concentrated form.

The Guardian

Malcolm Gladwell discusses the importance of creativity in addressing societal problems.

The New Yorker

Our job as journalists is not simply to point out untruths, injustices and societal problems.

The Washington Post

The corporation of the next 100 years must take on societal problems.

The Washington Post

"And I have also become interested in China's societal problems, its economic problems, its political problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the interconnectedness of "societal problems". Addressing one issue can often have positive effects on others.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about "societal problems" without providing context or evidence. Be specific about which problems you are addressing and their impact on particular groups or communities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "societal problems" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies issues affecting a community or population. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

31%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "societal problems" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to issues affecting a society. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, be specific and provide context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "social issues" or "community challenges" may be appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey. Remember that clear and specific language strengthens your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social issues

Focuses more broadly on issues within society, encompassing a wider range of concerns.

community challenges

Emphasizes the difficulties faced by specific communities.

public crises

Highlights the critical and urgent nature of certain societal problems.

systemic issues

Draws attention to problems that are embedded within the systems and structures of society.

social ills

Implies a negative or harmful aspect of societal problems.

complex problems

Highlights the complicated nature of the issues facing society.

challenges facing society

Rephrases the concept to focus on the difficulties that society is currently encountering.

wicked problems

Indicates problems that are particularly resistant to resolution.

grand challenges

Refers to significant and widespread problems that require large-scale solutions.

pressing issues

Emphasizes the urgent need to address societal problems.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "societal problems" in a sentence?

To use "societal problems" effectively, clearly define the specific issues you're addressing and provide context. For example, instead of saying "Societal problems are increasing," specify "Increased income inequality is one of the most pressing "societal problems" today".

What are some alternatives to saying "societal problems"?

You can use alternatives like "social issues", "community challenges", or "public crises" depending on the specific context.

Are "societal problems" and "social problems" the same?

While "societal problems" and "social issues" are often used interchangeably, "societal problems" tends to emphasize issues affecting the entire structure and function of a society, while "social issues" may refer to problems within specific groups or communities.

What is the role of government in addressing "societal problems"?

Governments play a crucial role in addressing "societal problems" through policy implementation, resource allocation, and regulation. They can also foster collaboration between different sectors to develop comprehensive solutions.