urgent problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"urgent problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that urgently needs to be solved or addressed. For example, "We must find a solution to this urgent problem quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Therein lies an urgent problem that law enforcement must address... urgently.

Huffington Post

Meanwhile, there is a more urgent problem.

The New Yorker

This is becoming an urgent problem.

The Guardian

Security is the most urgent problem.

The New York Times

We need to treat this as an extremely urgent problem.

Independent

This is an urgent problem on the continent.

The New Yorker

The patient's low potassium was the most urgent problem.

The New York Times

This is a smart response to an urgent problem.

The New York Times

And PwC Consulting had a second, more urgent problem.

The Economist

The most urgent problem facing Japan is economic.

The New York Times

Right now the status of teenagers is an urgent problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "urgent problem" with actionable solutions or calls to action to motivate readers or listeners toward resolution.

Common error

Avoid using "urgent problem" as a generic descriptor. Instead, provide specific details about why the problem is urgent and who it affects. For example, rather than saying "We have an urgent problem", specify "The urgent problem of delayed shipments is affecting our customer satisfaction scores".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "urgent problem" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "urgent" modifies the noun "problem". It identifies a situation or issue that demands immediate attention and action. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in diverse contexts, emphasizing its grammatical correctness and adaptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "urgent problem" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe issues requiring immediate attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and business contexts, highlighting its versatility. To enhance clarity, always specify the nature of the problem and its potential consequences. Alternatives like "pressing concern" or "critical issue" can provide nuanced variations, but "urgent problem" remains a direct and effective choice for emphasizing the need for prompt action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing concern

Replaces "problem" with "concern" and "urgent" with "pressing", emphasizing worry rather than difficulty.

critical issue

Substitutes "urgent" with "critical" and "problem" with "issue", highlighting the severity and decisiveness required.

immediate challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge" and "urgent" with "immediate", focusing on the need for swift action.

dire situation

Changes the phrase to describe a severe and potentially disastrous state.

acute crisis

Highlights the sudden and severe nature of the problem, framing it as a crisis.

exigent circumstance

Uses more formal language to indicate a situation demanding immediate attention.

burning question

Emphasizes a question that needs to be answered urgently because it is highly relevant or controversial.

serious predicament

Highlights the difficult or dangerous situation requiring immediate resolution.

time-sensitive matter

Focuses on the importance of addressing the issue within a limited timeframe.

vital question

Indicates that the problem is essential and fundamental.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "urgent problem" in a sentence?

Use "urgent problem" to highlight issues needing immediate attention. Provide context by explaining the problem and its impact. For example: "The lack of funding is an "urgent problem" that hinders our research efforts".

What are some alternatives to "urgent problem"?

You can use alternatives like "pressing concern", "critical issue", or "immediate challenge" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "urgent problem"?

The phrase "urgent problem" is suitable in various contexts where immediate attention is required, such as in news reports, academic discussions, and business communications. However, avoid using it in overly informal settings where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

What makes a problem qualify as "urgent"?

A problem is considered "urgent" when it has the potential to cause significant harm or negative consequences if not addressed promptly. Urgency is often determined by the severity of the impact and the limited timeframe available for resolution.