contemporary issues

/kənˈtɛm.pə.ri ˈɪs.juːz/
current societal problems

The conference focused on contemporary issues like climate change and digital privacy.

The event discussed modern societal challenges, emphasizing urgent topics like environmental degradation and data protection.


formal

Topics or problems that are relevant and widely discussed in the present time, often relating to social, political, or cultural aspects of society.

Journalists often cover contemporary issues to inform the public about ongoing debates and crises.

Reporters frequently address current societal problems to keep people aware of important discussions and emergencies.

Universities encourage students to study contemporary issues to develop critical thinking about modern challenges.

Educational institutions promote the analysis of present-day problems to help students understand and evaluate current global and local concerns.

This phrase is commonly used in academic, political, and media contexts to describe pressing matters that require attention and action.

Collocations

address contemporary issuesto tackle or discuss current problemsdebate contemporary issuesto argue or discuss modern societal problems

Related Phrases

current affairsphrase
news and events happening now
pressing issuesphrase
urgent problems that need immediate attention

Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

Use 'contemporary issues' in formal contexts like academic papers, news reports, or political discussions. In casual conversation, you might say 'current problems' or 'modern challenges'.

Gold Rule

Precision in Context

Ensure the issues you refer to are indeed relevant to the present time. Avoid using this phrase for historical or outdated topics.

Word Origin

Derived from 'contemporary' (from Latin 'contemporaneus', meaning 'of the same time') and 'issues' (from Latin 'exire', meaning 'to go out' or 'to arise'). The phrase combines these elements to refer to problems or topics relevant to the present era.

Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in formal and academic settings to discuss topics that are relevant to the present time. It can refer to a wide range of subjects, including social justice, technology, environmental concerns, and political developments.

Word Breakdown

contemporary
belonging to the same time; modern
adjective
+
issues
problems or topics that need attention
noun
English Dictionary