fundamental problem
مشكلة أساسية
Use it to point out the single most important reason why something isn't working.
En 15 secondes
- The root cause of a major issue or failure.
- Used to identify a deep flaw in a system or plan.
- Sounds professional, serious, and highly analytical.
Signification
This phrase describes a deep, central issue that is the main reason why something isn't working. It's not a small glitch; it's a flaw in the very foundation of an idea or system.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a business strategy meeting
The fundamental problem is that our customers don't actually want this feature.
المشكلة الأساسية هي أن عملائنا لا يريدون هذه الميزة في الواقع.
Discussing a broken relationship
The fundamental problem was a total lack of trust between us.
المشكلة الأساسية كانت الانعدام التام للثقة بيننا.
Complaining about a bad movie
The fundamental problem with the sequel is the boring script.
المشكلة الأساسية في الجزء الثاني هي السيناريو الممل.
Contexte culturel
The phrase gained massive traction during the Industrial Revolution and the rise of modern engineering. It reflects a Western philosophical preference for 'reductionism'—the idea that you can understand a complex system by finding its most basic parts. Today, it's a staple in Silicon Valley 'disruptor' culture, where every startup claims to solve a 'fundamental problem' of human existence.
Sound like an expert
If you want to sound like a consultant or an expert, start your sentences with 'The fundamental problem here is...' It commands attention immediately.
Don't overdo it
If you call every small mistake a 'fundamental problem,' people will think you are dramatic or don't understand the word 'fundamental.'
En 15 secondes
- The root cause of a major issue or failure.
- Used to identify a deep flaw in a system or plan.
- Sounds professional, serious, and highly analytical.
What It Means
Think of a house built on sand. The fundamental problem isn't the color of the paint. It's the fact that the ground is shifting. This phrase points to the root cause of a headache. It's the 'big' issue that makes everything else fall apart. If you don't fix this, nothing else matters. It is the heart of the matter.
How To Use It
You use it when you want to sound serious and analytical. It usually comes at the start of a critique. You can say, 'The fundamental problem with this plan is...' and then drop the truth bomb. It works well with verbs like identify, address, or ignore. It's a heavy-hitter phrase. Use it when you want people to stop looking at small details and look at the big picture.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting when a project is failing. Use it when arguing with a friend about why a movie was terrible. It's perfect for academic essays or political debates. Even in daily life, use it when your car keeps breaking down. It sounds much more intelligent than just saying 'the big issue.' It shows you’ve thought deeply about the situation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, silly things. If you forgot your socks, that's not a fundamental problem. That’s just a mistake. Using it for small stuff makes you sound overly dramatic. Avoid it in very casual, high-energy parties. It can be a bit of a 'vibe killer' because it sounds so serious. Don't use it if you aren't prepared to explain what the problem actually is!
Cultural Background
In Western culture, especially in tech and science, we love 'root cause analysis.' We are obsessed with finding the one thing that broke the machine. This phrase became very popular in the 20th century in engineering and philosophy. It reflects a logical, problem-solving mindset. It suggests that every complex mess has a single, logical starting point. It’s the language of 'fixing things for good.'
Common Variations
Sometimes people say root problem or core issue. You might also hear basic flaw or underlying difficulty. If you want to be fancy, try foundational challenge. However, fundamental problem is the most common and respected version. It strikes the perfect balance between being clear and sounding professional. It’s the 'gold standard' for describing a major mess-up.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly versatile, sitting right in the middle of the formality scale. It is safe to use in a PhD thesis or while complaining about your slow internet to a neighbor.
Sound like an expert
If you want to sound like a consultant or an expert, start your sentences with 'The fundamental problem here is...' It commands attention immediately.
Don't overdo it
If you call every small mistake a 'fundamental problem,' people will think you are dramatic or don't understand the word 'fundamental.'
The 'Dealbreaker'
In dating, a 'fundamental problem' is often called a 'dealbreaker.' It's the one thing that makes the whole relationship impossible.
Exemples
6The fundamental problem is that our customers don't actually want this feature.
المشكلة الأساسية هي أن عملائنا لا يريدون هذه الميزة في الواقع.
Points out a core strategic failure.
The fundamental problem was a total lack of trust between us.
المشكلة الأساسية كانت الانعدام التام للثقة بيننا.
Identifies the deep emotional root of a breakup.
The fundamental problem with the sequel is the boring script.
المشكلة الأساسية في الجزء الثاني هي السيناريو الممل.
A common way to critique art or media.
There is a fundamental problem with how we measured the temperature.
هناك مشكلة أساسية في كيفية قياسنا لدرجة الحرارة.
Indicates a flaw in the methodology.
The fundamental problem with my diet is that pizza exists.
المشكلة الأساسية في نظامي الغذائي هي أن البيتزا موجودة.
Using a serious phrase for a lighthearted topic.
The fundamental problem is that there are too many cars for these narrow streets.
المشكلة الأساسية هي أن هناك الكثير من السيارات لهذه الشوارع الضيقة.
Explains a structural issue in urban planning.
Teste-toi
Choose the best word to complete the phrase.
The ___ problem with the new law is that it's impossible to enforce.
'Fundamental problem' is the standard collocation for a core issue.
Which verb often precedes 'fundamental problem'?
We need to ___ the fundamental problem before we move forward.
You 'address' a problem when you try to deal with it or fix it.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Fundamental Problem'
Used jokingly with friends.
The fundamental problem is I'm lazy.
Standard daily conversation.
The fundamental problem with the car is the engine.
Academic or professional setting.
The fundamental problem remains the lack of funding.
Where to use 'Fundamental Problem'
Tech Support
The code has a fundamental problem.
Relationships
We have a fundamental problem with communication.
Politics
The fundamental problem is the economy.
Self-Improvement
My fundamental problem is time management.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It's neutral. You can use it with friends to sound slightly more serious or even sarcastic, like saying The fundamental problem with this pizza is there isn't enough cheese.
Yes, but basic problem can sometimes sound a bit simple or insulting. Fundamental problem sounds more intellectual and thorough.
A problem can be anything, like a flat tire. A fundamental problem is why the tires keep going flat, like a design flaw in the car.
Usually, you use it as the subject: The fundamental problem is [X]. or We are facing a fundamental problem.
Yes, it is used globally across all English dialects, including British, American, and Australian English.
Usually, we use it for situations or systems. Saying He is the fundamental problem is very harsh and implies they are the root of all trouble.
Common synonyms include core issue, root cause, and primary difficulty.
Yes, since it contains the word problem, it is used to describe negative situations that need fixing.
Absolutely! You can have a fundamental right, a fundamental change, or a fundamental difference.
No, but it implies that fixing it will require a lot of work or a total change in strategy.
Expressions liées
Root cause
The primary source of a problem.
Core issue
The most central part of a disagreement or problem.
The heart of the matter
The most important or basic part of something.
Fatal flaw
A specific weakness that causes something to fail completely.
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