unpleasant problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unpleasant problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or issue that is difficult or uncomfortable to deal with. Example: "The team faced an unpleasant problem when they discovered the project's budget had been significantly underestimated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

That is the most unpleasant problem for householders in any flood, and the greatest threat to health after the physical threats of being washed away or hit by falling debris.

The Guardian

REYKJAVIK, Iceland — After the dust began to settle last year — after the banks failed, the currency collapsed, the stock market crashed and the government fell — the dazed inhabitants of Iceland woke up to another unpleasant problem: They owed, it seemed, some $5.3 billion to more than 300,000 angry people in the Netherlands and Britain.

The New York Times

Postoperative nausea and vomiting after general anesthesia is not only an unpleasant problem affecting 20-30% of surgical patients but may also lead to severe postoperative complications.

BMC Anesthesiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

And, true enough, all those cars, lorries and motorcycles have brought a host of other unpleasant problems with them: air pollution, noise pollution, excessive dependence on oil.

The Economist

This learning task can pose unpleasant problems if the dataset to learn from contains imprecise information in the form of sets of alternatives instead of precise values.

Artificial Intelligence

The consumer anger has presented Prime Minister Tony Blair with an unpleasant political problem.

The New York Times

It's natural to like what's pleasant and to dislike what's unpleasant, no problem so far.

Huffington Post

While the health budget remains a challenge and all the unpleasant health problems associated with sex are easier to ignore, the government's failure to openly address these issues, support sexual choice and put their long-vision specs on will only take us back to the times we've worked so hard to leave behind.

The Guardian

The Problem Unpleasant Surprise In Rollovers In early 1989, with the Explorer just a year from mass production, Ford executives found themselves with a puzzle.

The New York Times

But while the flood of unsolicited macho attention in public places can be unpleasant, the real problem starts behind the closed doors of a private sphere that is jealously protected in France — particularly in the higher echelons of power, which are more blatantly male dominated than in many neighboring countries.

The New York Times

Personally, I approach the issue patiently, like 'one of...'... in a series of unpleasant, though solvable problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "unpleasant problem", ensure the context clearly defines why the problem is unpleasant. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

While "unpleasant problem" is acceptable, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unpleasant problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "unpleasant" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It serves to categorize a specific problem as one that evokes negative feelings or is difficult to resolve.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unpleasant problem" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a situation or issue causing discomfort or difficulty. While not exceedingly common, as Ludwig AI indicates, its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news and scientific domains. Effective use involves providing context as to why the problem is unpleasant. Alternative phrases like "troublesome issue" or "difficult situation" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Recognizing and addressing the specific nature of the "unpleasant problem" leads to clearer and more impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unwelcome predicament

Replaces "problem" with "predicament", emphasizing a difficult situation.

troublesome issue

Substitutes "unpleasant" with "troublesome" and "problem" with "issue", indicating a source of difficulty.

vexing dilemma

Uses "vexing" and "dilemma" to convey a situation that is both annoying and presents a difficult choice.

difficult situation

Generalizes the phrase to describe any challenging circumstance.

challenging concern

Replaces "unpleasant" with "challenging" and "problem" with "concern", highlighting the difficulty and worry associated with the issue.

awkward matter

Indicates an issue that is uncomfortable and potentially delicate.

tricky situation

Suggests a problem that requires careful handling.

serious complication

Elevates the severity of the problem, portraying it as a significant obstacle.

undesirable consequence

Focuses on the negative outcome resulting from a particular action or event.

sticky wicket

An idiomatic expression referring to a difficult or awkward situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "unpleasant problem" to describe a situation or issue that is difficult or uncomfortable to deal with. For example, "The company faced an unpleasant problem when sales declined unexpectedly."

What are some alternatives to "unpleasant problem"?

You can use alternatives like "troublesome issue", "difficult situation", or "challenging concern" depending on the context.

Is "unpleasant problem" formal or informal?

"Unpleasant problem" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "complex dilemma" or "grave concern".

What makes a problem "unpleasant"?

A problem is "unpleasant" when it causes discomfort, stress, or negative emotions. It may involve ethical concerns, financial strain, or interpersonal conflict.