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issues
/ˈɪʃ.uːz/
In a social or political context, it describes subjects that provoke disagreement or require resolution. It carries more weight than a simple "topic" but is often less urgent than a "crisis."
When used regarding psychology or personal life, it takes on a slightly clinical or colloquial tone. To have "issues" implies a recurring pattern of emotional instability or unresolved trauma rather than a one-time problem.
As a verb for official distribution, it conveys authority and formality. It is the language of bureaucracy—governments, banks, and institutions "issue" documents to establish legitimacy.
In its rarest sense (flowing forth), it is highly literary or archaic, evoking images of water or smoke emerging steadily from an opening.
Used as a countable noun when referring to distinct social problems, specific editions of a periodical, or individual psychological struggles.
💬Casual Conversation
The file is totally corrupted. I'm having major technical issues.
Let's circle back tomorrow and deep-dive into the solution.
Meanings
Important topics or problems for debate or discussion.
The candidates discussed several key social issues during the debate.
Individual copies of a magazine or newspaper published at a particular time.
I have collected every single issue of this comic book since 1990.
Personal problems, especially emotional or psychological ones.
He has some deep-seated family issues that he is working through in therapy.
Collocations & Compounds
pressing issues
Urgent problems that require immediate attention.
back issues
Previous copies of a magazine or periodical.
family issues
Emotional or psychological problems within a family unit.
issues passports
The act of officially providing travel documents.
social issues
Problems that affect many people within a society.
Idioms & Sayings
daddy issues
Psychological problems resulting from a poor relationship with one's father.
trust issues
Difficulty in believing that other people are honest, reliable, or have good intentions.
at issue
The main point under discussion or the core of a dispute.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French 'issue', meaning 'exit, outcome, or result', which originates from the Latin 'exitus', the past participle of 'exire' ('to go out'), formed from 'ex-' ('out') + 'ire' ('to go'). The sense evolved from a literal exit to the outcome of an event, and subsequently to topics of debate (points at issue) or the act of distributing/emitting something.