widening problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "widening problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an issue that is becoming more extensive or severe over time. Example: "The widening problem of climate change requires immediate action from governments and individuals alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In Monday's paper, the headline, as Mr. Greenfield noted, emphasized the Republicans seizing on the issue rather than the widening problem.

The New York Times

The latest statistics from Los Angeles, where the unemployment rate was 11 percent in May, attest to a widening problem: the city removed 35.4 million square feet of graffiti for the fiscal year that ended June 30, an 8.2 percent jump over last year, city officials said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The widening problems in the mortgage market could jeopardize that acquisition.

The New York Times

Analysts said that the widening problems at SK Group and other conglomerates, coming against the backdrop of nuclear tensions with North Korea and uncertainty about developments in the Middle East, were beginning to create a crisis atmosphere in South Korea, even though the country's current difficulties appear to be far less severe than they were during the economic crisis of 1997 and 1998.

The New York Times

That is when balance sheets become impaired and widening credit problems start to show up.

The New York Times

Shares bounded higher yesterday as investors still mindful of widening credit problems nonetheless went in search of bargains in the stock market.

The New York Times

Mr. Rowland met yesterday in Hartford with top state legislators to discuss Connecticut's widening budget problems, but both administration and legislative officials said that preventing the layoffs was no longer part of the discussion.

The New York Times

The economic and military gap with India is widening, the problems faced by residents of the disputed territory of Kashmir are not being resolved, and – most important of all – the basic needs and expectations of ordinary Pakistanis are going unmet.

The Guardian - Opinion

The internet has widened the problem: we see patients buying medication online here in the UK, too.

The Guardian

There is a terrorist act committed in the US and they widen this problem to include other countries — faraway countries — because they need revenge.

Vice

Siblings' social network widened, and problem-solving skills were cultivated, thus enhancing protective factors for strengthening resilience [ 7].

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "widening problem" to describe a situation where the scope or impact of an issue is demonstrably increasing over time. Ensure your writing clearly indicates this expansion to emphasize the growing concern.

Common error

Avoid using "widening problem" to describe a long-standing issue that isn't actively growing. Instead, reserve it for situations where the issue's scale, severity, or impact is currently expanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "widening problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "widening" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig AI confirms its common use in various contexts, describing issues that are expanding or becoming more severe.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "widening problem" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe an issue that is increasing in scope or severity. Ludwig AI validates its usage across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business writing. To use it effectively, ensure that the problem you're describing is genuinely expanding, and avoid using it for static or unchanging issues. Related phrases like "growing concern" or "escalating issue" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. While maintaining a neutral tone, "widening problem" serves as a powerful way to highlight the urgency and importance of addressing growing challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

growing concern

Focuses on the increasing level of worry or apprehension about an issue, rather than just its expansion.

escalating issue

Highlights the rapid increase in the severity or intensity of a problem.

expanding crisis

Emphasizes the crisis aspect while indicating its spread or increase in scope.

worsening situation

Concentrates on the decline in conditions, suggesting a problem is getting more severe.

aggravating factor

Highlights something that is making an existing problem worse.

intensifying challenge

Emphasizes the growing intensity of a difficult task or situation.

increasing difficulty

Focuses on the rising level of hardship or complexity associated with something.

mounting trouble

Suggests that problems are accumulating and becoming more burdensome.

emerging threat

Highlights the gradual appearance and growth of a potential danger.

unfolding dilemma

Focuses on the gradual revelation and development of a difficult choice or situation.

FAQs

What does "widening problem" mean?

A "widening problem" refers to an issue that is increasing in scope, severity, or impact. It implies that the problem is not only present but also growing or expanding over time.

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

You can use "widening problem" to describe a situation where an issue is growing. For example: "The "widening inequality problem" requires urgent attention".

What are some alternatives to "widening problem"?

Alternatives to "widening problem" include "growing concern", "escalating issue", or "worsening situation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "widening problem" in formal writing?

Yes, "widening problem" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing issues of increasing concern in academic, business, or news contexts. However, always ensure the context supports the implication of growth or expansion.