a vexed question — a vexed question (difficult problem)
an issue or problem that is difficult to solve or discuss, often because people strongly disagree about it or it has caused trouble for a long time
Say it like a native
Textbook The matter of immigration remains a persistently contentious and unresolved issue.
Native Immigration is still a vexed question.
'A vexed question' is the set literary phrase for a thorny, long-disputed issue; the paraphrase is wordy.
Pattern: a vexed question (of something)
In use
- The vexed question of how to balance work and family life continues to challenge policymakers.society
- One vexed question in modern society is how to ensure privacy while still benefiting from technological advances.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ It's a vex question that no one can answer.
✓ It's a vexed question that no one can answer.
It's the fixed adjective 'vexed', not 'vex'.
Common collocations
a vexed question— of, remains a, thorny, the vexed question of
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a difficult question', which is neutral and general, 'a vexed question' suggests the issue has caused disagreement or trouble for some time. It is more formal and often used for topics that provoke debate.