- [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 education funding.
- A referendum was held to settle the issue.
- Europe was at that time 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
Definitions on the go
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- [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
See issue in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee issue in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishbe 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.
Check pronunciation:
issue