A difficulty and a matter for discussion can call for different words.

The idea

A problem is a difficulty or a question to solve. An issue can be a topic for discussion or a difficulty; the words often overlap.

Patterns to compare
WordTypical meaning
problema difficulty to deal with, or a question to solve
issuea matter for discussion, or a difficulty

Examples

  • The broken lift is a problem for residents with heavy bags.
  • Mina solved the maths problem before lunch.
  • We have a problem: the last bus has already left.
  • The committee will discuss the issue of library opening hours.
  • Pay is an important issue in the election debate.
  • A software issue prevented Alex from sending the form.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume issue always means a difficulty: an issue on an agenda can simply be a topic.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct word or words. The agenda lists the ___ of school uniforms for discussion. (problem / issue)

    Show answer or example answer

    issue

    issue: The agenda identifies a topic for discussion.

  2. Choose the correct word or words. Sam solved the maths ___ in five minutes. (problem / issue)

    Show answer or example answer

    problem

    problem: A maths question to solve is a problem.

  3. Choose the correct word or words. A network ___ stopped the payment from going through. (problem / issue)

    Show answer or example answer

    problem / issue

    problem or issue: Both naturally describe a network difficulty.

Use it today

Name a difficulty and a topic your community might discuss.