As a noun, an issue is an important topic or problem that people discuss or worry about; it is also a single copy of a magazine or newspaper published at a particular time. As a verb, to issue means to give out or publish something officially.
What Does Issue Mean?
Issue entered English via Old French issue ("exit, outcome"), itself from Latin exire — ex- ("out") + ire ("to go"). The core idea of something "going out" or "emerging" connects its modern senses: a magazine issue is sent out to readers; a government issues a statement by releasing it publicly; an issue (problem) is a matter that has surfaced and needs attention.
In contemporary British English, issue is one of the most versatile high-frequency words. In formal and professional contexts it is frequently preferred over problem because it sounds more measured and invites discussion rather than alarm. In journalism it appears constantly: key issues, current issues, the issue of climate change. In everyday speech, saying "I have an issue with that" signals polite disagreement.
As a countable noun referring to a copy of a publication — "the March issue of The Economist" — it is straightforward and widely used. The verb sense ("to issue a passport", "to issue a warning") belongs to formal registers and appears often in official documents, news reports, and legal language.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Level & usage note |
|---|---|
| The teacher talked about the main issues in the story. | A2 — noun, basic subject |
| The main issue with her writing was the lack of paragraph structure. | B1 — noun as subject, key example sentence |
| The government issued new safety rules for all public buildings. | B1 — verb, formal/official context |
| Environmental campaigners argue that plastic pollution is the defining issue of our generation. | B2 — noun with defining phrase, persuasive register |
| The fundamental issue at stake is not merely economic efficiency but the equitable distribution of resources across communities. | C1 — complex noun phrase, academic register |
Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| key issue | Funding remains the key issue for NHS managers. |
| raise an issue | Several parents raised the issue of homework at the meeting. |
| address an issue | The report fails to address the issue of data security. |
| tackle an issue | We need a long-term plan to tackle the issue of youth unemployment. |
| sensitive issue | Immigration is a sensitive issue in many European countries. |
| contentious issue | The new planning laws are a contentious issue among local residents. |
| issue a statement | The company issued a statement denying the allegations. |
| issue a warning | The Met Office issued a red weather warning for the South-East. |
| the current issue | Have you read the current issue of New Scientist? |
| have issues with | She has issues with the way feedback is given in the team. |
Usage Notes
Key points for learners
Issue vs problem: Both can describe something difficult, but issue is more neutral and suggests a matter open to discussion, while problem implies something clearly negative that must be fixed. In professional emails, "there is an issue with the order" is softer and more diplomatic than "there is a problem with the order".
Issue as a verb (formal): The verb issue is formal and appears mainly in official, legal, and journalistic contexts. In everyday conversation, use give out, send out, or release instead: "They gave out new ID cards" rather than "They issued new ID cards" in informal speech.
Magazine / newspaper sense: When referring to a copy of a periodical, issue is interchangeable with edition. "The spring issue" or "the spring edition" — both are standard.
Plural "issues" in informal speech: In informal British and American English, "to have issues" can mean to have personal problems or unresolved emotional difficulties: "He's got some issues he needs to work through." This usage is informal and conversational.
Common Mistakes
Watch Out For
The main issue of her writing was the lack of structure.
The main issue with her writing was the lack of structure. (use with, not of, when identifying what is affected)
We need to issue this problem before the deadline.
We need to address this issue before the deadline. (you address or tackle an issue; you do not issue a problem)
There is an issue of funding in the proposal.
There is an issue with the funding in the proposal. (use with when pointing to a flaw; the issue of X is used when naming a topic, e.g., "the issue of funding")