issue
IHSHW
Issue (noun) means a subject or problem that people discuss or disagree about. Example: “Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the world today.”
noun
1
A subject or problem that people discuss or disagree about.
"Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the world today."
"We need to resolve this issue before the deadline."
"Noise from the road is a serious issue for people living nearby."
2
A single edition of a magazine, newspaper, or comic.
"She bought the latest issue of her favourite fashion magazine."
"The first issue of the school magazine sold out within an hour."
"I found an old issue of my favourite comic in the attic."
verb
1
To officially give out, publish, or send something into circulation.
"The government issued a warning about the coming storm."
"The bank issued her a new credit card."
"The council will issue new parking permits at the start of the month."
How to use issue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA problem to sort out, a published edition of something, or the act of officially giving something out.
Common mistake
The informal phrase "have issues" (meaning unresolved personal problems) is casual and shouldn't appear in formal writing.
Common pairings
raise an issue
issue a statement
the latest issue
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Word forms
- Plural
- issues
- Third person singular
- issues
- Past tense
- issued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Climate change is one of the biggest _____ facing the world today.
Etymology
From Old French issue, "a way out," from issir, "to exit," ultimately from Latin exire ("to go out"). The legal sense of "a disputed point" developed from the idea of the outcome of a court pleading.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for issue
See all rhymes for issue →Frequently asked questions
What does “issue” mean?
The word “issue” means a subject or problem that people discuss or disagree about. In plain terms, a problem to sort out, a published edition of something, or the act of officially giving something out.
How do you pronounce “issue”?
“Issue” is pronounced IHSHW (/ˈɪʃ(j)u/ in IPA).
How do you use “issue” in a sentence?
Here is “issue” used in a sentence: “Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the world today.”
What part of speech is “issue”?
Depending on how it is used, “issue” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “issue” come from?
The word “issue” comes from Latin. From Old French issue, "a way out," from issir, "to exit," ultimately from Latin exire ("to go out"). The legal sense of "a disputed point" developed from the idea of the outcome of a court pleading.
Is “issue” a common word?
“Issue” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “issue” have?
“Issue” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a subject or problem that people discuss or disagree about.
What is the difference between an issue and a problem?
A problem is something clearly wrong that needs fixing. An issue is broader — a topic or point of debate that people discuss and may disagree about, and it isn't always negative. Calling something an "issue" rather than a "problem" often sounds softer, framing it as a matter to address rather than a fault.
Is 'issue' a negative word?
Not necessarily. An issue can simply be a subject under discussion — an environmental issue or a policy issue is a topic, not automatically a fault. However, in phrases like "I have an issue with that" or "there's an issue," it often signals a problem or objection. Context sets the tone.
What are examples of issues?
Social issues such as poverty, climate change, healthcare, and education are common examples — subjects people actively debate. On a smaller scale, an issue might be a disagreement between colleagues or a sticking point in a negotiation. The shared thread is a matter that is open to discussion or dispute.
What is the difference between an issue and a topic?
A topic is any subject you might talk about, neutral by default. An issue is a topic that carries tension — something people discuss because they disagree or because it needs resolving. Every issue is a topic, but only topics with a point of contention rise to being called issues.
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