a divisive issue — polarising topic
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
an issue or topic that strongly divides people's opinions, often causing heated debate or conflict between groups.
Say it like a native
Textbook Immigration is a topic that strongly separates people's opinions.
Native Immigration is a divisive issue.
'Divisive issue' is the compact term; the paraphrase is wordy.
Pattern: a divisive issue (for/in/among + group/context)
In use
- Immigration has become a deeply divisive issue in many countries, splitting communities and families.society
- In my opinion, climate change is a highly divisive issue because it often leads to strong disagreements between politicians, scientists, and the general public.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Immigration is a very divided issue.
✓ Immigration is a very divisive issue.
The issue is 'divisive' (it divides people); 'divided' describes the people, not the issue.
Common collocations
a divisive issue/figure— highly, deeply, issue, figure
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a controversial issue', which means people disagree or debate, 'a divisive issue' highlights that the disagreement actually creates clear, often hostile, groups or camps.