Issue

Word of the Day

issue

The word "issue" has different meanings, depending on whether it’s used as a verb or as a noun.

When "issue" is a noun, it refers to current ideas and concerns in government or in a person’s life:

Global warming is an important issue.
Gun control is a hotly contested issue between the two major political parties.
Voters pay attention to the issues during a political campaign before an election.
There are some important moral issues which cannot be ignored regarding the refugee crisis in Syria and Iraq.
We’re not sure where the Governor stands on this issue.
Where do you stand on the issue of abortion?
Edward deals with important issues as part of his job all day long.
Pamela has an interest in issues related to childcare.

Sometimes the word "issue" takes on a slightly stronger meaning when talking about a person’s attitudes and personal beliefs, or when there are major differences in opinions that cause problems in relationships.

My supervisor and I have some issues. (We’re not getting along.)
Do you have an issue with this? (Do you have an objection to this?)
Issues in their marriage led Bill and Sophia to divorce.
They had some issues that couldn’t be resolved.

As a noun, an issue is also a publication of a newspaper or magazine:

There’s a picture of Adele in today’s issue of the New York Times.
The latest issue of The Atlantic magazine has a great article about President Obama.

When the word "issue" is a verb, it means to distribute or give out something:

The county in which I live issues a driver’s license to people who have passed a driving test.
I was issued a driver’s license.
The U.S. and state governments issue refund checks to people who have overpaid their taxes.
The military issues uniforms to new recruits.
Money is issued by the U.S. mint.

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Date of publication: February 13, 2017