timeless issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "timeless issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a problem or topic that remains relevant and significant across different time periods. Example: "The debate over climate change is a timeless issue that continues to spark discussions among scientists and policymakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Confronting the timeless issue of the poor umbrella design, the company created Brolly, an umbrella with a handle that has an ergonomic, four-finger grip.

The New York Times - Tech

Nonetheless, we believe that the methodologic bias introduced as a result of drop outs is a timeless issue and that Home F/U remains a viable strategy to achieve follow-up for missing participants in contemporary clinical research, particularly because cardiac surgery patients are now older, with greater comorbidity [ 9], which our findings suggest increase the risk for attrition.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Art can't resolve the timeless issues that have always tormented mankind; sometimes, though, it can make living with them more tolerable by bathing our pain in beauty.

The Guardian - Film

He was a theater experimenter, a provider of vivid, cacophonous stage tableaus, incorporating ballads, verse and mime within demanding scripts that often used historical settings to dramatize, allude to or allegorize timeless issues.

The New York Times

The cases raised timeless issues for journalists and sources about what readers have a right to know and whose responsibility it is to find it out or disclose it.

The New York Times

Their music deals with timeless issues like weed and the beach, both of which their soothing melodies compliment nicely.

Vice

Vidal's play deals with timeless issues of race and politics and morality and what it takes to win and whether you can sell your soul for victory and still do good.

Huffington Post

When catastrophe moves closer to home, threatening the order of our lives, timeless moral issues suddenly become timelier, and nothing in theater is more important than timing.

The New York Times

These timeless emotional issues eclipse the fact of women wanting to break through the glass ceiling and take more of the finite number of top jobs available, and the harsher zero-sum realities of this question are passed over in favour of the cuteness of Helen and Mel falling for each other.

The Guardian - Film

Nowadays secret documents flow on the internet to raise awareness of timeless political issues.

Huffington Post

I was presented, and equipped, with a vocabulary to use in talking about the most difficult and timeless of issues, connecting myself to a strong tradition of other minds who devoted their lives to doing the same.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, specify who considers the issue "timeless". Is it a universally acknowledged truth, or a perspective held by a particular group or culture?

Common error

Avoid using "timeless issue" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide specific details that demonstrate why the issue transcends time, rather than simply stating it. For example, specify how it impacts different generations or cultures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "timeless issue" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "timeless" modifies the noun "issue". It highlights that the issue in question is not bound by time and maintains relevance across different eras. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "timeless issue" is a grammatically sound and impactful way to describe a problem or topic that maintains relevance across time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Although not extremely common, the phrase appears in credible sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, suggesting its suitability for formal writing. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly demonstrates the issue's enduring nature. Consider alternatives like "enduring problem" or "perennial question" to add nuance. Avoid generic use; instead, provide specific details showcasing why the issue is indeed "timeless".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enduring problem

Replaces 'issue' with 'problem', highlighting the persistent nature of the challenge.

perennial question

Substitutes 'issue' with 'question' and 'timeless' with 'perennial', emphasizing the recurring nature of the inquiry.

recurring challenge

Uses 'challenge' instead of 'issue' and 'recurring' for 'timeless', focusing on difficulties that reappear.

persistent concern

Replaces 'issue' with 'concern' and 'timeless' with 'persistent', stressing ongoing worry or interest.

long-standing debate

Emphasizes the duration and argumentative nature of the 'issue'.

age-old problem

Replaces 'timeless' with 'age-old', giving a sense of historical depth to the issue.

historical issue

Focuses on the history and past relevance of the matter at hand.

classic problem

Indicates that the issue has been present for a long time and is well-known.

evergreen topic

Uses a metaphor to suggest the issue remains fresh and relevant like an evergreen tree.

fundamental question

Indicates that the issue is basic and essential, persisting through time due to its foundational nature.

FAQs

How can I use "timeless issue" in a sentence?

You can use "timeless issue" to describe a problem or topic that remains relevant across history. For example: "Poverty is a "timeless issue" that has plagued societies for centuries."

What are some alternatives to saying "timeless issue"?

Alternatives include "enduring problem", "perennial question", or "recurring challenge", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "timeless issue" or "historical issue"?

The choice depends on the context. "Timeless issue" emphasizes the continuing relevance of the issue across different eras, whereas "historical issue" simply highlights its presence in the past. They are not interchangeable; a "historical issue" may not be a "timeless issue" if it's no longer relevant.

What makes an issue "timeless"?

An issue is "timeless" if it consistently affects people and societies across different periods. This often involves fundamental aspects of human nature, such as morality, justice, or survival. An example could be wealth inequality, which has been a "timeless issue".