worsening problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "worsening problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or issue that is becoming increasingly severe or difficult over time. Example: "The city is facing a worsening problem with traffic congestion, leading to longer commute times for residents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The report cited the housing shortage as a worsening problem.

The New York Times

The manifesto gives no clue as to how that worsening problem might be overcome.

The Guardian

Doctors have long believed that the ozone in automobile pollution contributes to childhood asthma, a major and worsening problem.

The New York Times - Health

"I see this as a worsening problem, because the rents are getting higher, leading to less and less usefulness of the shops in town".

The New York Times

"This worsening problem is forcing the California grid operator to shut down low-cost renewable generation that could otherwise be used productively".

The New York Times

Being involved in jazz now means knowing that the music will survive, and knowing at the same time that connecting artists with listeners is a worsening problem.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

That may be a sign of worsening problems, analysts said.

The New York Times

General McCaffrey painted a grim picture in which "the dangerous and worsening problems in Mexico…fundamentally threaten US national security".

The Economist

The supposed transgression may have been a sign of worsening problems off the field; the Mets still have plenty of problems on it.

The New York Times - Sports

The worsening problems of antibiotic resistance prompt the need for alternative strategies.

Phytomedicine

In early February Standard & Poor's signaled that it might lower Toyota's debt rating because of its worsening problems.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "worsening problem", provide specific details about the nature of the problem and how it is deteriorating. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "worsening problem" as a vague descriptor. Always specify what is worsening and why. For example, instead of just saying "a worsening problem", specify "a "worsening problem of pollution" due to industrial expansion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "worsening problem" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "worsening" modifies the noun "problem". Ludwig examples show it describing various deteriorating situations. It's often used to highlight the increasing severity of an issue.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "worsening problem" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation that is deteriorating. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about the problem and its deterioration to maximize clarity and impact. Avoid overuse without context, and consider alternatives like "escalating crisis" or "deteriorating situation" to add nuance to your writing. The phrase is widely used in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

escalating crisis

Focuses on the crisis aspect while highlighting its increasing intensity.

deteriorating situation

Emphasizes the decline in the overall state of affairs.

growing concern

Highlights the increasing worry or anxiety surrounding an issue.

aggravating factor

Points to a condition or influence that intensifies a pre-existing issue.

exacerbating issue

Highlights the act of making a problem worse.

intensifying challenge

Focuses on the increasing difficulty of a task or obstacle.

mounting difficulty

Emphasizes the increasing accumulation of troubles or problems.

compounding dilemma

Highlights how different factors interact to make a situation more complex.

spiraling decline

Suggests a rapid and continuous fall or decrease.

aggravated condition

Highlights the deterioration of a pre-existing state.

FAQs

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

You can use "worsening problem" to describe situations that are deteriorating. For instance, "The "worsening problem of climate change" requires immediate action" or "The hospital is facing a "worsening staffing shortage"".

What are some alternatives to "worsening problem"?

Alternatives include "escalating crisis", "deteriorating situation", or "growing concern", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "increasingly worsening problem"?

Yes, saying "increasingly worsening problem" is redundant. The word "worsening" already implies an increase in severity. It's best to simply use "worsening problem".

What kind of problems can be described as a "worsening problem"?

Any issue that is becoming more severe over time can be described as a "worsening problem". This includes environmental issues, economic conditions, health crises, and social issues.