a contentious issue — disputed topic
collocationC1IELTS 7+neutraloccasional
an issue or topic that causes a lot of disagreement or argument, often because people have strong and opposing opinions about it.
Say it like a native
Textbook This is a matter that engenders considerable disagreement.
Native It's a pretty contentious issue.
'Engenders considerable disagreement' is heavy; 'contentious' says it in one word.
Pattern: a contentious issue (for/to someone/in society)
In use
- Immigration policy remains a contentious issue in many countries.society
- In my opinion, climate change is a contentious issue because people have such strong and conflicting views about its causes and solutions.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Immigration is a very contentious.
✓ Immigration is a very contentious issue.
'Contentious' is an adjective — it needs a noun ('issue', 'topic').
Common collocations
contentious issue— highly, a, remains, politically
Don't confuse it
Unlike a 'controversial issue', which may simply be widely discussed or disagreed on, a 'contentious issue' usually involves active, sometimes heated, argument or conflict.