troubled system

USAGE SUMMARY

"troubled system" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a system that is experiencing difficulties or issues. For example, "The troubled system struggled to meet the demands of its users." Alternative expressions include "problematic system," "dysfunctional system," and "failing system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The Crawford conviction was constructed from a set of mundane errors, occurring within a troubled system.

The New Yorker

It was a car that landed Mr. Harris in New Jersey's troubled system of halfway houses.

The New York Times

He did a fine job with London's transit agency before returning to New York and its more troubled system.

The New York Times

In Chicago, he's a successful reformer who has produced impressive results in a huge and historically troubled system.

The New York Times

C1 Senate Passes Pension Bill The Senate passed a bill aimed at strengthening America's troubled system of company pension plans.

The New York Times

The idea was to generate more parent involvement, and to revamp the city's troubled system of 32 community school boards.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This past week, Mr. Kelly took several steps toward upgrading the department's outdated technology, asking I.B.M., Deloitte Consulting and Merrill Lynch to evaluate its troubled systems, and removing the deputy commissioner, Ari N. Wax, who headed the Office of Technology and Systems Development.

The New York Times

She wants to understand the key drivers in regime shifts, what prevents troubled systems from returning to their former state, the impacts of regime shifts on ecosystem services, and the consequences for human well-being.

Science Magazine

In recent days, senior Russian officials have begun to acknowledge how troubled their system is.

The New York Times

An independent commission reviewing the country's troubled pension system has been considering compulsory savings.

The Economist

Today, in part because of our aging society and our troubled pension system, the government simply doesn't have the money to make everything better.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "troubled system", clearly identify the specific areas or aspects of the system that are experiencing difficulties to provide context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "troubled system" without providing specific details about the nature of the problems. This can lead to ambiguity and a lack of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubled system" functions as a noun phrase, where "troubled" is an adjective modifying the noun "system". It typically describes a system experiencing difficulties, problems, or instability. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubled system" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a system experiencing difficulties or problems. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in various contexts, particularly in news, formal business settings, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide context by identifying the specific problems of the system. Alternatives include "dysfunctional system" or "failing system", though these alternatives may have stronger, more critical connotations. The phrase is versatile, and its meaning is generally well-understood, making it a useful way to convey that a system is not functioning as intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dysfunctional system

This alternative emphasizes the impaired functionality of the system.

failing system

This suggests that the system is not meeting its intended goals and is in decline.

problematic system

This highlights the presence of specific issues or difficulties within the system.

flawed system

Focuses on inherent imperfections or defects within the system's design or implementation.

ailing system

Implies the system is weakening or deteriorating, often due to underlying problems.

unstable system

Highlights the lack of equilibrium and potential for collapse or disruption.

fragile system

Suggests the system is easily damaged or disrupted by external forces.

vulnerable system

Focuses on the system's susceptibility to threats or weaknesses.

deficient system

Emphasizes the system's shortcomings or inadequacies in meeting requirements.

compromised system

Indicates that the system has been weakened or corrupted, often due to external interference.

FAQs

How can I use "troubled system" in a sentence?

You can use "troubled system" to describe various contexts, such as "The city's education system is a "troubled system" needing reform" or "The company's financial management is a "troubled system" requiring immediate attention".

What are some alternatives to "troubled system"?

Alternatives to "troubled system" include "dysfunctional system", "failing system", or "problematic system", each emphasizing different aspects of the system's issues.

Which is correct, "troubled system" or "a system in trouble"?

Both "troubled system" and "a system in trouble" are grammatically correct. "Troubled system" is more concise and direct, while "a system in trouble" may provide a slightly more descriptive and less judgmental tone.

What's the difference between "troubled system" and "failing system"?

"Troubled system" implies that the system has problems, while "failing system" suggests it is not meeting its goals or is declining. The latter is a stronger and more critical assessment.