worrying problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'worrying problem' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that is likely to cause worries or anxiety. For example: "The increase in pollution is a worrying problem that needs to be addressed immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Secondary outcomes are anxiety, quality of life, dysfunctional cognitions, worrying, problem solving skills, mastery, absence at work and use of healthcare.

BMC Psychiatry

That means that governments face a worrying problem.

The Economist

As Owen Jones highlighted last week, there is a worrying problem in the LGBT community.

The Guardian - Opinion

The most worrying problem is that not all students will learn the same thing.

The Guardian

He is right to highlight the increasingly worrying problem of police attitude to the public.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there is a bigger, more worrying problem: large government IT projects seem to have a habit of going wrong.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The study identified worrying problems for aviation English test development and validation, and proposed that standards such as the EALTA Guidelines be adjusted to suit the aviation context.

Language Testing in Asia

Accordingly, subjects in this group experienced less abdominal, systemic, emotional, fatigue, and worry problems as well as improved activity.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

The problem is this: Bedtime is not the time for intense mental processing, worrying or problem solving.

Huffington Post

Participants of the trial reported significantly more psychological distress, worrying and problem avoidance than non-participants.

BMC Medical Education

Rather than finding solutions, he spent his time worrying over problems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "worrying problem", provide specific details about why it is concerning to enhance clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "worrying problem" as a vague intensifier. Instead, specify what makes the problem worrying to give your statement more impact and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worrying problem" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "worrying" modifies the noun "problem". It identifies a specific kind of problem that causes concern or anxiety, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

40%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worrying problem" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an issue that causes concern or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources across news media, science, and general content. While it's suitable for various contexts, being specific about why a problem is "worrying" can significantly enhance clarity. Consider related phrases like "concerning issue" or "serious concern" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using "worrying problem" as a vague intensifier, and always aim to articulate the specific reasons for the concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concerning issue

Replaces "problem" with "issue", softening the intensity of the concern.

troubling matter

Uses "matter" instead of "problem", suggesting a formal and serious tone.

alarming development

Focuses on the dynamic aspect of a situation becoming worrying.

serious concern

Emphasizes the gravity and importance of the worrying aspect.

disturbing trend

Highlights a pattern that is causing worry.

grave situation

Indicates a severe and critical problem.

pressing challenge

Replaces "problem" with "challenge", focusing on the need for a solution.

vexing question

Emphasizes the puzzling and difficult nature of the problem.

precarious situation

Suggests instability and potential danger related to the problem.

unsettling predicament

Highlights the uncomfortable and uncertain nature of the problem.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "worrying problem", ensure you clearly state what the problem is and why it is causing concern. For example, "The increasing rates of deforestation is a "worrying problem" due to its impact on biodiversity and climate change".

What are some alternatives to "worrying problem"?

You can use alternatives like "concerning issue", "serious concern", or "alarming development" to express a similar sentiment with slightly different emphasis.

Is "worrying problem" a formal or informal expression?

"Worrying problem" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal settings, you might prefer alternatives like "troubling matter" or "grave situation" for a more serious tone.

What makes "worrying problem" different from "difficult problem"?

"Worrying problem" implies that the issue causes anxiety or concern, while "difficult problem" simply means the issue is hard to solve. A "worrying problem" carries an emotional weight beyond mere complexity.