major problem
مشكلة كبيرة
Use `major problem` to signal a serious issue that requires immediate action or help.
In 15 Seconds
- A serious difficulty that needs urgent attention.
- Stronger than 'small issue' but very common.
- Used in both professional and personal emergencies.
Meaning
This phrase describes a serious difficulty or a significant obstacle that requires immediate attention. It is used when something goes wrong and it is too big to ignore.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the airport
I have a major problem; I left my passport at home.
لدي مشكلة كبيرة؛ لقد تركت جواز سفري في المنزل.
In a business meeting
We have a major problem with the new software update.
لدينا مشكلة كبيرة في تحديث البرنامج الجديد.
Texting a friend
Major problem! The concert is sold out.
مشكلة كبيرة! تذاكر الحفل نفدت.
Cultural Background
The word 'major' comes from military and academic roots, signifying high rank or importance. In modern English, calling something a 'major problem' is a universal way to signal that a situation has escalated beyond a simple fix.
The 'Tone' Secret
If you say 'major problem' with a smile, it sounds sarcastic. If you say it with a straight face, people will panic. Use your face to match the urgency!
Don't be the 'Cry Wolf'
If you use this for small things like a broken fingernail, people will stop helping you when you have a real crisis.
In 15 Seconds
- A serious difficulty that needs urgent attention.
- Stronger than 'small issue' but very common.
- Used in both professional and personal emergencies.
What It Means
Major problem is your go-to phrase for serious trouble. It is not for small things like losing a pen. It is for when your car breaks down. It is for when you lose your passport. Think of it as a 'red alert' for your life or work.
How To Use It
You place major before problem to show scale. You can say 'We have a major problem.' It works as a subject or an object. Use it when you want people to listen carefully. It signals that the situation is not normal.
When To Use It
Use it in a meeting when a project deadline is impossible. Use it with a mechanic when your engine makes a scary noise. Use it when you realize you forgot your spouse's birthday. It fits perfectly in professional and personal crises.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for tiny inconveniences. If you are out of milk, it is not a major problem. Using it for small things makes you sound dramatic. People might stop taking your warnings seriously. Keep it for the big stuff.
Cultural Background
English speakers often use 'understatement' or 'overstatement.' Major problem is a clear, direct way to communicate. In corporate culture, it is a 'flag.' It tells the boss that the current plan is failing. It is a very common 'action' phrase in movies.
Common Variations
You might hear huge problem or massive problem for more drama. In formal settings, people say significant issue. If you want to be casual, you can say big deal. However, major problem remains the most balanced and common choice.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-register collocation. It is safe to use in 99% of situations. Just ensure the scale of the problem matches the word 'major' to maintain credibility.
The 'Tone' Secret
If you say 'major problem' with a smile, it sounds sarcastic. If you say it with a straight face, people will panic. Use your face to match the urgency!
Don't be the 'Cry Wolf'
If you use this for small things like a broken fingernail, people will stop helping you when you have a real crisis.
Softening the Blow
In British English, people might say 'a bit of a major problem' to sound polite, even if the building is on fire!
Examples
6I have a major problem; I left my passport at home.
لدي مشكلة كبيرة؛ لقد تركت جواز سفري في المنزل.
Expresses a high-stakes personal crisis.
We have a major problem with the new software update.
لدينا مشكلة كبيرة في تحديث البرنامج الجديد.
Professional way to report a failure.
Major problem! The concert is sold out.
مشكلة كبيرة! تذاكر الحفل نفدت.
Casual use for social disappointment.
The mechanic said the engine has a major problem.
قال الميكانيكي إن المحرك به مشكلة كبيرة.
Describes a technical or mechanical failure.
I have a major problem: I'm at a party and I forgot everyone's name.
لدي مشكلة كبيرة: أنا في حفلة ونسيت أسماء الجميع.
Uses the phrase for a relatable, funny social awkwardness.
Losing that client is going to be a major problem for us.
خسارة ذلك العميل ستكون مشكلة كبيرة بالنسبة لنا.
Discussing a serious consequence.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
If the roof is leaking during a storm, that is a ___ problem.
A leaking roof during a storm is a serious issue that needs immediate help.
Complete the professional warning.
Sir, we have a ___ problem with the delivery schedule.
In a professional context, 'major' is the standard way to describe a significant delay.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Major Problem'
Used with friends for social issues.
Major problem, I'm late!
Standard daily use for real trouble.
The car has a major problem.
Used in reports or meetings.
This is a major problem for the company.
When to say 'Major Problem'
Tech Failure
The server crashed.
Travel Crisis
Missed the last flight.
Financial Issue
Lost my wallet.
Social Blunder
Double-booked two dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your boss without sounding strange.
The opposite is a minor issue or a small problem. These are for things that are easy to fix.
Yes, big problem is very common. Major sounds slightly more professional or serious than big.
Yes, it is very common in work emails. For example: We have encountered a major problem with the account.
It depends on the situation. If the problem is actually large, it sounds realistic. If the problem is small, it sounds dramatic.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. Major is the adjective that describes the noun problem.
You can use serious issue, significant challenge, or critical error depending on the context.
Yes, it is used globally across all English-speaking countries.
Usually, you should ask What happened? or How can I help? because it implies urgency.
Usually, we use it for situations. If you say 'He is a major problem,' it means that person causes a lot of trouble.
Related Phrases
Serious issue
A formal way to say a problem is important.
Deal-breaker
A problem so big that it stops a deal or relationship.
Huge setback
A problem that delays your progress significantly.
Crisis mode
When you are actively trying to solve a major problem.
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