tragic problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tragic problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or dilemma that involves a significant moral or ethical conflict, often leading to unfortunate outcomes. Example: "The protagonist faced a tragic problem, torn between loyalty to his family and the greater good of society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A particularly tragic problem are the children.

The New York Times - Magazine

Whatever the number, we should work to solve this tragic problem, not ignore it.

The New York Times

This is a serious and tragic problem which the family has had to face.

The Guardian

(Leslie Gelb, the former Times columnist and president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations, once told me, "American foreign-policy experts don't know anything about countries. That is a fundamental and tragic problem in our policymaking process").

The New Yorker

Only the angriest and most hateful, the folks that have since become known as the "alt right," chose to bash or nitpick the general message of working to end violence and fixing a tragic problem in American society.

The Guardian - Sport

"If in the coming months Iraq looks relatively stable and on some path to democracy, this whole issue of abuse will be a tragic problem that was addressed and solved," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

As the Neon Roberts case demonstrates aptly, misinformation can cause serious and potentially tragic problems.

The Guardian

The tragic problems of ethnic, religious and gender intolerance have stained every region of the globe.

The New York Times

But tragic problems like corruption, bribery and loss of African values interfere with a man like Obi.

The Guardian

We care about the tragic problems of tribal members on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and are greatly concerned about alcohol abuse there and anywhere.

The New York Times

And it addressed one of the tragic problems of Sept. 11, 2001 — that police and fire officials at the World Trade Center site could not reach one another by radio.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overuse in casual conversation; reserve "tragic problem" for situations deserving of its gravity.

Common error

Avoid using "tragic problem" to describe minor inconveniences or everyday frustrations. This can diminish the phrase's impact and credibility when addressing genuinely serious issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tragic problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "tragic" modifies the noun "problem". This construction emphasizes the severe and deeply unfortunate nature of the issue. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tragic problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation marked by significant sorrow, loss, or ethical conflict. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it effectively communicates the gravity of an issue, often prompting empathy and a sense of urgency. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, its register remains relatively neutral, though less common in highly formal academic writing where objectivity is paramount. When employing this phrase, ensure the context justifies its weight, avoiding overuse in trivial situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "devastating issue" or "grievous situation" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devastating issue

Emphasizes the destructive impact of the problem, rather than its inherent sadness.

catastrophic dilemma

Highlights the disastrous consequences and difficult choices involved.

grievous situation

Focuses on the sorrow and pain caused by the circumstances.

unfortunate crisis

Downplays the emotional aspect, concentrating on the negative outcome and urgency.

dire predicament

Stresses the severity and lack of easy solutions to the problem.

heartbreaking ordeal

Highlights the emotional suffering and prolonged difficulty.

calamitous affair

Emphasizes the disastrous and impactful nature of the event.

pathetic state of affairs

Highlights the regrettable and inadequate conditions.

miserable circumstance

Focuses on the unhappiness and suffering caused by the situation.

lamentable difficulty

Emphasizes the regret and sorrow associated with the challenge.

FAQs

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

You can use "tragic problem" to describe issues with severe consequences and emotional distress. For example, "The opioid crisis is a "tragic problem" affecting communities nationwide."

What's a more formal synonym for "tragic problem"?

A more formal synonym could be "grievous situation" or "calamitous affair", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "tragic problem" in a business context?

While "tragic problem" can be used in business, it's more suitable for describing the wider impact of the issue rather than internal operational challenges. Consider using "serious issue" for internal matters.

What is the difference between "tragic problem" and "unfortunate situation"?

"Tragic problem" implies a deeper level of sorrow, often involving loss or ethical conflict, whereas "unfortunate situation" is a more general term for any negative event.