troubling problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"troubling problem" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a problem or issue that causes concern, worry, or difficulty. It can be used in any context where there is a problem that is causing trouble or difficulty for someone. Example: "The rising rates of obesity among children is a troubling problem that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Margolis and Fisher give us a deep and nuanced insight into this troubling problem.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

A persistent and deeply troubling problem of American democracy is low voter participation.

Harvard University

Human rights groups see another, equally troubling problem in the White House aid package.

The New York Times

While this is bad news for the taxpayers, FHA has an even more troubling problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

These hopeful developments, however, have brought to light an even more troubling problem in the academic pipeline.

The New York Times

"Perry Alagappan's technology demonstrates a new way of addressing a difficult and extremely troubling problem, water contamination with heavy metals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Nevertheless, Portugal continued to experience several troubling problems.

Britannica

There were also very troubling problems with the process of its creation.

The New York Times

In its most recent inspection of the Red Cross last December, the Food and Drug Administration said it found "numerous and troubling problems".

The New York Times

SHELDON ELSEN, a securities lawyer at Orans Elsen & Lupert in New York, said the structure of the LJM2 partnership "really presents some very troubling problems".

The New York Times

We elected a president, and this one, for a change, is bright, articulate and coolheaded, and appears to work very hard to understand the troubling problems confronting the United States and most of the world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "troubling problem" when the issue is minor or easily resolved. Opt for milder terms like "slight inconvenience" or "small hiccup" in such cases.

Common error

Resist the urge to use "troubling problem" for trivial issues. Overusing it can dilute its impact when addressing truly serious concerns. A minor delay, for instance, is not accurately described as a "troubling problem".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "troubling problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "troubling" modifies the noun "problem". It serves to highlight the concerning nature of a particular issue.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "troubling problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an issue that causes concern or worry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English, suitable for various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Academic sources. While versatile, it's essential to avoid overusing it for minor issues, reserving it for situations with significant negative implications. Alternatives like "worrying issue" or "concerning matter" can provide nuance depending on the context. The phrase scores highly in expert ratings due to its grammatical correctness, source authority, and consistent usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

worrying issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "troubling" with "worrying", softening the concern.

disturbing issue

Uses "disturbing" instead of "troubling", emphasizing the unsettling nature of the issue.

concerning matter

Substitutes "problem" with "matter" and "troubling" with "concerning", creating a more formal tone.

serious difficulty

Replaces both words with near synonyms, indicating a grave situation.

vexing question

Changes "problem" to "question" and "troubling" to "vexing", suggesting a difficult-to-answer issue.

unsettling predicament

Emphasizes the uncomfortable and precarious nature of the situation.

grave concern

Highlights the seriousness of the issue as a primary worry.

awkward situation

Softens the negative connotation, implying discomfort rather than severe worry.

challenging predicament

Focuses on the difficulty of the situation rather than its worrying aspects.

thorny issue

Suggests the problem is complex and involves sensitive or conflicting factors.

FAQs

What does "troubling problem" mean?

A "troubling problem" is an issue that causes worry, anxiety, or difficulty. It suggests that the problem is not only present but also concerning due to its potential consequences or complexity.

What can I say instead of "troubling problem"?

You can use alternatives like "worrying issue", "disturbing issue", or "concerning matter" depending on the context and the level of concern you wish to express.

Is "troubling problem" formal or informal?

"Troubling problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in extremely formal settings, you might consider "concerning matter" for a slightly more elevated tone.

How do I use "troubling problem" in a sentence?

Use "troubling problem" to describe a specific issue that is causing concern. For example, "The lack of clean water is a troubling problem in many developing countries."