underlying problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"underlying problem" is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a fundamental issue that lies at the root of a more complex dilemma. For example, "Mismanagement of funds was the underlying problem that ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Identify the Underlying Problem.

WikiHow

The underlying problem remains.

The Economist

The underlying problem is demographic.

The New York Times

The underlying problem is complexity.

The New York Times

But the underlying problem remains.

The Economist

The underlying problem was Ethel.

The Guardian

The underlying problem here is style.

The New York Times - Books

Fine, but the underlying problem still remains.

The New York Times

Perhaps their underlying problem is arrogance.

The New York Times

And they cannot solve the underlying problem.

The Guardian - Books

The underlying problem is the chronic housing shortage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "underlying problem", clearly identify what the surface-level issue is before delving into the root cause. This provides context and makes your analysis more accessible.

Common error

Avoid treating symptoms without addressing the "underlying problem". Focusing solely on surface issues can lead to temporary fixes that don't resolve the core issue and may cause it to resurface or worsen over time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "underlying problem" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a fundamental issue causing other apparent problems, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underlying problem" is a frequently used noun phrase that refers to the fundamental cause of an issue. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various domains. While frequently appearing in news sources, it’s also seen in wikis and scientific literature. To ensure effective communication, focus on identifying the "underlying problem" rather than merely treating the symptoms. Related phrases include "root cause" and "fundamental issue". Remember to clearly define the context when using this phrase for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

root cause

Focuses on the origin of the problem rather than its apparent surface manifestation.

fundamental issue

Emphasizes the basic and foundational nature of the problem.

core difficulty

Highlights the central and most important challenge.

basic predicament

Implies a challenging situation that is difficult to resolve.

central concern

Draws attention to the main point of worry or interest.

key obstacle

Indicates a significant barrier that needs to be overcome.

primary challenge

Highlights the main difficulty that needs to be addressed.

mainspring of trouble

Suggests the primary cause or origin of a series of problems.

deep seated issue

Emphasizes that the issue is firmly established and difficult to change.

latent complication

Implies that the problem is hidden but has the potential to emerge and cause trouble.

FAQs

How can I identify the "underlying problem" in a complex situation?

Start by thoroughly analyzing the symptoms, then ask 'why' repeatedly to drill down to the fundamental cause. Techniques like root cause analysis can be helpful.

What are some phrases similar to "underlying problem"?

You can use alternatives like "root cause", "fundamental issue", or "core difficulty" depending on the context.

How does addressing the "underlying problem" lead to better solutions?

By targeting the fundamental cause, you create solutions that are more sustainable and prevent the issue from recurring. This approach provides long-term stability.

Why is it important to distinguish between symptoms and the "underlying problem"?

Treating only symptoms provides temporary relief but fails to address the core issue. Identifying and resolving the "underlying problem" leads to more effective and lasting solutions.