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global issue — worldwide problem

collocationB2IELTS 5.5+neutralcommon

A problem or challenge that affects people or countries all around the world, not just in one place.

Say it like a native

Textbook Climate change is a problem affecting the entire world.

Native Climate change is a global issue.

'Global issue' is the compact term; spelling it out is wordy.

Pattern: global issue (noun phrase); a/an/the global issue; global issues

In use

  • Climate change is a global issue that requires cooperation between countries.society
  • In my opinion, poverty is a serious global issue because it affects millions of people and requires international solutions.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ Poverty is a worldly issue.

✓ Poverty is a global issue.

'Global' (worldwide), not 'worldly' (concerned with material/everyday life).

Common collocations

  • a global issue — major, pressing, tackle, address

Don't confuse it

A 'local issue' affects only a small area or community, while a 'global issue' impacts people everywhere.

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