An issue is a question, matter or dispute that needs to be resolved. It can also refer to a thorny topic that raises hackles and provokes debate. The term issue can also be used in a mathematical context to refer to a situation that requires a solution, such as Fermat’s Last Theorem or an undecided math problem.
The word problem can be a bit negative in tone and suggests something that is unwelcome or harmful, whereas the term issue generally has more positive connotations. Moreover, issues are often more challenging and broader in scope than problems.
When writing an op-ed, it’s important to identify the issue your piece addresses, and then explain why readers should care about it. For example, if you write about how to reduce property taxes, it’s helpful to mention that the current tax rate is one of several issues that make living in your city difficult for many families. This helps your reader connect with the topic and provides context for your argument.
In the GitLab documentation, issues are a way for users to request or suggest changes to existing features, as well as document their own ideas and work. In general, each issue is associated with a particular project, and can be reviewed by that project’s members as well as outside collaborators. For more information about how to use GitLab issues, check out the Managing Commitments with Issues documentation. These examples are automatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate how the word issue is used in real life.