issue
issue
noun
OPAL W OPAL S
/ˈɪʃuː/
topic of discussion
1 countable an important topic that people are discussing or arguing about
a key/major issue
This is a big issue; we need more time to think about it.
Teacher education has become a political issue.
They discussed a number of important environmental issues.
They are talking about issues relating to the safety of children online.
Her work deals with issues of race and identity.
to explore/debate/examine an issue
The union plans to raise the issue of overtime.
We really need to focus on the key issues and not get sidetracked.
You're just avoiding the issue.
Don't confuse the issue.
The meeting included discussion of a range of issues.
What you say is interesting, but it does not affect the question at issue here.
She usually writes about environmental issues.
The party was divided on this issue.
This evening we're debating the issue of the legalization of soft drugs.
A referendum was held to settle the issue.
Europe remains the burning issue within the party.
She spoke on the issue of private healthcare.
The conference examined key issues relating to the reform.
The issue of birth control was touched on, but we need to examine it in more detail.
The problem raises wider issues of gender and identity.
The real issue is where the power lies.
The report highlights three issues.
The strike of ten years ago is still very much a live issue in the town.
SEE ALSO side issue, wedge issue
TOPICS Opinion and argument B1
TOPICS Social issues B1
Collocations
adjective
big
burning
central
… of issues
number
range
series
verb + issue
raise
debate
discuss
issue + verb
arise
surround something
underlie something
preposition
at issue
on an/​the issue
issue about…
phrases
make an issue of something
problem/worry
2 countable a problem or worry that somebody has with something
If you have any issues, please call this number.
The community is working together to address social issues and problems.
All technical issues have now been resolved.
Miller decided to tackle the issue head on.
Serious issues arose during the development of the new product.
Money is not an issue.
I'm not bothered about the cost—you're the one who's making it an issue.
issue about/around somebody/something She's always on a diet—she has issues about food.
Young people sometimes struggle with issues around body image.
issue with somebody/something He still has some issues with women (= has some problems dealing with them).
I don't think my private life is the issue here.
Because I grew up in a dysfunctional family, anger is a big issue for me.
A number of issues are affecting the dairy industry.
Security has become a real issue.
Don't hesitate to contact us about any issues and concerns that you may have.
SEE ALSO non-issue
magazine/newspaper
3 ​countable one of a regular series of magazines or newspapers
the July issue of ‘What Car?’
The article appeared in issue 25.
an article in the current issue of ‘Newsweek’
SEE ALSO back issue
Collocations
adjective
current
back
special
verb + issue
bring out
publish
issue + verb
come out
go on sale
be out…
preposition
in an/​the issue
of stamps/coins/shares
4 ​countable a number or set of things that are supplied and made available at the same time
The company is planning a new share issue.
a special issue of stamps
SEE ALSO standard issue
making available/known
5 ​uncountable the act of supplying or making available things for people to buy or use
I bought a set of the new stamps on the date of issue.
issue of something to somebody the issue of blankets to the refugees
SEE ALSO rights issue
6 ​uncountable the act of formally making something known to people
the issue of a joint statement by the French and German foreign ministers
children
7 ​uncountable (law) children of your own
He died without issue.
Idioms
be at issue
force the issue
take issue with
issue
verb
/ˈɪʃuː/
make known
1 to make something known formally
issue something They issued a joint statement denying the charges.
to issue an apology
a report issued by the Department for Education
A warning was issued yesterday by the government, asking people to stay in their homes.
issue something to somebody The president has the authority to issue orders to the military.
The new guidelines have been issued to all doctors.
The police have issued an appeal for witnesses.
a statement issued on behalf of the UN Secretary General
Collocations
adverb
directly
jointly
immediately
preposition
on behalf of
to
with
phrases
newly issued
give
2 to give something to somebody, especially officially
issue something to issue a licence/certificate/permit/ticket
issue somebody something The authorities refused to issue him a visa.
issue somebody with something New members will be issued with a temporary identity card.
issue something to somebody Work permits were issued to only 5% of those who applied for them.
Some of the police were issued with rifles.
the bank which formally issues and handles these credit cards
law
3 ​issue something to start a legal process against somebody, especially by means of an official document
to issue a writ against somebody
A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
He left the company and promptly issued a writ claiming $45 million in damages.
Arrest warrants were issued against 16 of the protesters.
TOPICS Law and justice C1
magazine
4 ​issue something to produce something such as a magazine, article, etc.
We issue a monthly newsletter.
stamps/coins/shares
5 ​issue something to produce new stamps, coins, shares, etc. for sale to the public
They issued a special set of stamps to mark the occasion.
newly issued banknotes
Phrasal Verbs
issue from
Word Origin
Middle English (in the sense ‘outflowing’): from Old French, based on Latin exitus, past participle of exire ‘go out’.