Lesson

Problems

Vocabulary for discussing issues and challenges

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Problems: Vocabulary Overview

This lesson covers the most common English words and expressions used to describe problems in business and daily situations. You will learn nouns, verbs, and collocations to report, describe, and solve issues professionally.

  • Distinguish between similar words: problem, issue, challenge, obstacle, setback
  • Common verbs: encounter, report, address, resolve, escalate, troubleshoot
  • Useful collocations for emails and reports

Table

Common Problem Terms

Word Part of speech Definition Example
problem noun a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or needing to be dealt with We encountered a problem with the invoice.
issue noun a subject or situation that requires attention; often slightly less strong than 'problem' in formal contexts The issue was escalated to the manager.
challenge noun a difficult task or situation that tests abilities Launching in a new market is a major challenge.
obstacle noun something that blocks progress or makes achieving something difficult Budget constraints were a key obstacle to the project.
setback noun an unexpected problem that delays progress A supplier delay caused a setback in the schedule.
glitch noun a small, temporary technical problem There was a glitch in the reporting dashboard.
resolve verb to find a solution to a problem or dispute The team resolved the connectivity issue.
troubleshoot verb to identify and fix technical problems IT will troubleshoot the server errors this afternoon.

Tip

Key collocations and register

Use the right verb and noun together and adjust formality to the context.

  • Use 'encounter' or 'face' with problems and issues: We encountered an issue.
  • Use 'resolve', 'address' or 'fix' to talk about solutions: We resolved the issue / We fixed the bug.
  • Use 'escalate' for serious or unresolved problems that need higher-level attention.
  • Choose words by formality: 'issue' is often more formal than 'problem'; 'glitch' is informal/technical.

Match the verb to the type of problem (technical = troubleshoot/fix, administrative = address/escalate)

Example

Examples in context

We encountered a problem with the server during the presentation.

The team resolved the billing issue before the deadline.

This project presents a significant challenge for our department.

There was a minor glitch in the reporting software after the update.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often mix words, choose incorrect verb collisions, or misuse articles. Watch for these universal errors:

  • Using the wrong noun strength: calling a major failure a 'glitch' or a small delay a 'setback'.
  • Incorrect verb + noun pairing: saying 'fix a challenge' instead of 'meet/overcome a challenge'.
  • Article errors: omitting 'a' in 'a problem' or using 'the' when speaking generally.
  • Overusing 'problem' for every situation; choose more precise words like 'issue', 'setback', or 'obstacle'.

Check context (technical vs managerial) and choose the appropriate word and collocation.

Quiz

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "The client reported a _____ with the new update."

Hint: Think of a general word for something that went wrong

Quiz

Complete: The IT team will _____ the connectivity issue after lunch.

Hint: Think of a verb that means 'find a solution to' (one word)

Quiz

Which collocation is most natural in a business report?

Hint: Consider formal collocations used in reports

Key Points

Vocabulary

problem

noun CEFR A2 //ˈprɒbləm//

a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or needing to be dealt with

We encountered a problem with the invoice.

Vocabulary

issue

noun CEFR B1 //ˈɪʃuː/ or /ˈɪsuː//

a subject or situation that requires attention; often used in formal contexts

The issue was escalated to the manager.

Vocabulary

challenge

noun CEFR B2 //ˈtʃælɪndʒ//

a difficult task or situation that tests abilities

Expanding into new markets is a major challenge.

Vocabulary

obstacle

noun CEFR B2 //ˈɒbstəkl̩//

something that blocks progress or makes achieving something difficult

Budget constraints were the main obstacle to the proposal.

Vocabulary

setback

noun CEFR B2 //ˈsɛtbæk//

an unexpected problem that delays progress

A supply delay caused a setback in the schedule.

Vocabulary

resolve

verb CEFR B2 //rɪˈzɒlv//

to find a solution to a problem or dispute

The support team resolved the connectivity issue quickly.