a growing concern — increasing worry (about a problem or issue)
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutralcommon
used to describe a problem, issue, or situation that people are becoming more worried about over time, often because it is getting worse or more noticeable.
Say it like a native
Textbook This matter represents a source of escalating apprehension.
Native It's a growing concern.
'Escalating apprehension' is overwrought; 'growing concern' is the standard collocation.
Pattern: a growing concern (about/for/over something)
In use
- Cyberbullying has become a growing concern among parents and teachers in recent years.society
- I'd say mental health is a growing concern these days, especially as more people experience stress and anxiety from work and social pressures.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ There is a growing concern of climate change.
✓ There is a growing concern about climate change.
'Concern ABOUT / OVER something', not 'of'.
Common collocations
a growing concern about— about, over, among, that
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a major concern' (which means something is already very serious), 'a growing concern' emphasizes the increase in worry or attention over time.