a legitimate concern — valid worry (not just an excuse or overreaction)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
A worry or issue that is reasonable, justified, and based on real facts or risks, rather than being exaggerated or imagined.
Say it like a native
Textbook That constitutes an entirely justified and well-founded apprehension.
Native That's a legitimate concern.
The set phrase 'legitimate concern' beats the padded 'justified and well-founded apprehension'.
Pattern: a legitimate concern (about/that...)
In use
- Parents have a legitimate concern about their children's safety online.daily life
- In my opinion, the rise in housing prices is a legitimate concern for young people trying to buy their first home.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a legitim concern.
✓ It's a legitimate concern.
The adjective is 'legitimate', not 'legitim'.
Common collocations
a legitimate concern— raise, perfectly, address, have
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a concern' (any worry), 'a legitimate concern' emphasizes that the worry is justified and not exaggerated or unfounded.