Page 89 - Speaking at Length with covers

What’s the word for that?

Words and Phrases to Identify and State Problems

There are a variety of words that we can use to replace the word ‘problem’. Below are some options that we
can use.
Other words similar to ✓ Challenge: (the situation of being faced with) something that
‘problem’ needs great mental or physical effort in order to be done
successfully and therefore tests a person's ability
✓ Issue: a subject or problem that people are thinking and talking
about
✓ Complication: something that makes a situation more difficult
✓ Setback: something that happens that delays or prevents a
process from developing
✓ Predicament: an unpleasant situation that is difficult to get out of
✓ Discrepancy: a difference between two things that should be the
same
✓ Shortcoming: a fault or a failure to reach a particular standard
Please note that one word is not necessarily always exchangeable with another. Consider the
context while using the word by looking at the context.
An incorrect example: “I have had a discrepancy with my laptop since 4 days ago”.
The word ‘discrepancy’ is not suitable to use in the sentence since a discrepancy should be related
to a gap between 2 things.
A correct example: “When consulting the methodology part of my proposal, there is a discrepancy
between my first and second advisors”.
Phrases similar to ✓ A tricky situation: difficult or delicate circumstance that
‘problem’ requires careful handling and skillful navigation to avoid
negative consequences
✓ A tough nut to crack: a problem that is very difficult to solve or
a person who is very difficult to understand
✓ A stumbling block: something that prevents action or
agreement
✓ A pain point: a specific problem, frustration, or challenge that
a customer, user, or individual experiences, often related to a
product, service, or process

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