issue
noun OPAL WOPAL S
/ˈɪʃuː/
/ˈɪʃuː/
Idioms - [countable] an important topic that people are discussing or arguing about
- a key/major issue
- This is a big issue; we need more time to think about it.
- Teacher education has become a political issue.
- They discussed a number of important environmental issues.
- They are talking about issues relating to the safety of children online.
- Her work deals with issues of race and identity.
- to explore/debate/examine an issue
- The union plans to raise the issue of overtime.
- We really need to focus on the key issues and not get sidetracked.
- You're just avoiding the issue.
- Don't confuse the issue.
- The meeting included discussion of a range of issues.
- What you say is interesting, but it does not affect the question at issue here.
Extra ExamplesTopics Opinion and argumentb1, Social issuesb1- She usually writes about environmental issues.
- The party was divided on this issue.
- This evening we're debating the issue of the legalization of soft drugs.
- A referendum was held to settle the issue.
- Europe remains the burning issue within the party.
- She spoke on the issue of private healthcare.
- The conference examined key issues relating to the reform.
- The issue of birth control was touched on, but we need to examine it in more detail.
- The problem raises wider issues of gender and identity.
- The real issue is where the power lies.
- The report highlights three issues.
- The strike of ten years ago is still very much a live issue in the town.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- big
- burning
- central
- …
- number
- range
- series
- …
- raise
- debate
- discuss
- …
- arise
- surround something
- underlie something
- …
- at issue
- on an/the issue
- issue about
- …
- make an issue of something
- [countable] a problem or worry that somebody has with something
- If you have any issues, please call this number.
- The community is working together to address social issues and problems.
- All technical issues have now been resolved.
- Miller decided to tackle the issue head on.
- Serious issues arose during the development of the new product.
- Money is not an issue.
- I'm not bothered about the cost—you're the one who's making it an issue.
- issue about/around somebody/something She's always on a diet—she has issues about food.
- Young people sometimes struggle with issues around body image.
- issue with somebody/something He still has some issues with women (= has some problems dealing with them).
Extra Examples- I don't think my private life is the issue here.
- Because I grew up in a dysfunctional family, anger is a big issue for me.
- A number of issues are affecting the dairy industry.
- Security has become a real issue.
- Don't hesitate to contact us about any issues and concerns that you may have.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- big
- burning
- central
- …
- number
- range
- series
- …
- raise
- debate
- discuss
- …
- arise
- surround something
- underlie something
- …
- at issue
- on an/the issue
- issue about
- …
- make an issue of something
- [countable] one of a regular series of magazines or newspapers
- the July issue of ‘What Car?’
- The article appeared in issue 25.
- an article in the current issue of ‘Newsweek’
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- current
- back
- special
- …
- bring out
- publish
- come out
- go on sale
- be out
- …
- in an/the issue
- [countable] a number or set of things that are supplied and made available at the same time
- The company is planning a new share issue.
- a special issue of stamps
- [uncountable] the act of supplying or making available things for people to buy or use
- I bought a set of the new stamps on the date of issue.
- issue of something to somebody the issue of blankets to the refugees
- [uncountable] the act of formally making something known to people
- the issue of a joint statement by the French and German foreign ministers
- [uncountable] (law) children of your own
- He died without issue.
topic of discussion
problem/worry
magazine/newspaper
of stamps/coins/shares
making available/known
children
Word OriginMiddle English (in the sense ‘outflowing’): from Old French, based on Latin exitus, past participle of exire ‘go out’.
Idioms
be at issue
- to be the most important part of the subject that is being discussed
- What is at issue is whether she was responsible for her actions.
force the issue
- to do something to make people take a decision quicklyTopics Preferences and decisionsc2
take issue with somebody (about/on/over something)
- (formal) to start disagreeing or arguing with somebody about something
- I must take issue with you on that point.