noun

issue

ISH-oo/ˈɪʃuː/

A matter requiring attention or consideration.

The neighbors discuss the issue of their broken community water pump.

Diverse neighbors discuss a broken community water pump around a table, a concrete problem under discussion.

Etymology

An “exit” became an “outcome,” then the point reached by legal pleadings that a trial must decide. From that legal use, issue broadened to an important question for discussion or decision.

In context

Town Meeting TV13:50

will bring traffic air pollution possibly water pollution and will have negative impacts not just on Burlington but other major downtown's I see it as perhaps the most important environmental issue

Bernie Speaks 40: Mayor Sanders' Year-in-Review Tour of the City, with Son Levi 12/27/1987

More examples

Please raise any safety issues at the meeting.
We have an issue with the heating system.
The central issue is how to divide the costs fairly.

Forms

issue · issues

Similar words

problem: Emphasizes a difficulty that needs a solution.
topic: Names a subject of discussion, not necessarily a difficulty.
question: Emphasizes something that needs an answer or decision.