point of contention

/ˌpɔɪnt əv kənˈtɛnʃən/
noun phraseIntermediate💡 a subject of disagreement or argument
general

an issue or topic that people strongly disagree about

The new policy became a point of contention among employees.

Employees strongly disagreed about the new policy.

The border dispute has been a point of contention between the two countries for decades.

The two countries have argued about the border for many years.

💡

This phrase is commonly used in discussions about conflicts, debates, or disagreements.

Collocations

major point of contentiona significant issue that people strongly disagree aboutongoing point of contentiona subject of disagreement that continues over time

Related Phrases

bone of contentionphrase
a subject of prolonged dispute

💡Pro Tip

Usage Tip

Use this phrase when describing disagreements that are significant or ongoing.

Gold Rule

Grammar Rule

This is a noun phrase, so it functions as the subject or object in a sentence.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'point' (a specific issue) and 'contention' (disagreement), first recorded in the mid-16th century.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is neutral and can be used in formal or informal contexts. It is commonly used in politics, law, and business discussions.

Word Breakdown

point
a specific issue or topic
root
+
of
indicates a relationship
preposition
+
contention
disagreement or argument
root
English Dictionary