Issue
ˈɪʃuː
Definitions
4 meaningsA subject or problem that people are thinking and talking about.
ˈɪʃuː
A point or matter of discussion or dispute.
The main issue is a lack of funding.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to decide where to go for dinner. The *issue* is where to eat! This is something people need to talk about or make a decision about.
👶 For kids: A question or problem that people need to talk about and solve, like "What should we play?" is an issue.
More Examples
There are several important issues to consider.
The company wants to address the issue of employee satisfaction.
How It's Used
"The central issue in the debate was climate change."
"The court addressed the issue of privacy rights."
"We need to resolve the issue of funding."
A single copy or installment of a publication, such as a newspaper or magazine, that is published at regular intervals.
ˈɪʃuː
A set of magazines, newspapers, or other publications released at a particular time.
I read the latest issue of the magazine.
💡 Simply: Think about your favorite magazine. Each time it comes out, that's an *issue*! It has different articles and pictures.
👶 For kids: A single book or magazine that comes out, like a new episode of your favorite TV show.
More Examples
This week's issue of the newspaper has a special report.
They are working on the next issue of the journal.
How It's Used
"The latest issue of the magazine features an interview with the author."
"The next issue will be published next month."
To officially supply or distribute something, especially documents or goods.
ˈɪʃuː
To supply or distribute something.
The company will issue a refund.
💡 Simply: Imagine your teacher *issues* pencils to everyone. That means they give them out. That's what it means to issue something!
👶 For kids: To give something out to people, like when a teacher gives out papers.
More Examples
The government has issued a travel advisory.
They plan to issue new shares of stock.
How It's Used
"The bank will issue new bonds next week."
"The government issued a statement regarding the new policy."
To come, go, or flow out; emerge.
ˈɪʃuː
To come, go, or flow out.
Smoke issued from the chimney.
💡 Simply: Imagine water *issuing* from a leaky pipe. It means the water is coming out. Like a stream of water.
👶 For kids: To come out or go out, like water coming out of a hose.
More Examples
Blood began to issue from the wound.
A stream of complaints issued after the concert.
How It's Used
"Water issued from a crack in the dam."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
take issue with
To disagree with or object to something.
"I take issue with your statement about the economy."
at issue
Under discussion or in dispute.
"The central issue at issue in the trial was the defendant's guilt or innocence."
From Old French *issir* 'to come out, go forth', ultimately from Latin *exire* 'to go out'.
The word 'issue' has been used since the 14th century, originally meaning 'to come or go forth'. Its meaning expanded to include the release of publications and matters of discussion over time.
Memory tip
Think of the main point that needs to be *issued* for discussion.
Word Origin
"to go out"