Difference Between Issue and Concern

Issue vs Concern
 

Most of us confuse the two words, issue and concern as synonymous though there is a difference between these two words. Both words contain a variety of meanings in different situations, however, when engaging in a comparison between the two words, one can state that both refer to a matter of importance. First let us define the two words. An issue can be defined as an important topic that is controversial. When paying attention to the society, there are a number of social issues. Abortion, prostitution, crime, and deviance can all be considered as examples for social issues. Social issues carry a controversy morally. For example, let us take abortion. While some argue that abortion should be legalized, others argue that it should not be legalized as it is the killing of an unborn child. This highlights that an issue is a topic of interest. The word concern, on the other hand, can also be viewed as an important topic. But, in this case, there is a personal element that is not visible in an issue. This is the main difference between these two words. Through this article let us examine the usage and differences between each word.

What does Issue mean?

An issue can be defined in a number of ways; both in the form of a noun and a verb.

Noun: as a noun, the word issue can be defined in the following manner.

An important topic that is debatable or controversial

Abortion has become a serious social issue in the modern society.

Each of a regular series of publications

I found a very interesting article in the latest issue of that magazine. Would you like to read it?

Objection

Why did not you tell me before? I did not know you had any issue with it.

Personal difficulty

I doubt whether she will be able to make it tomorrow. She has kind of an issue.

Verb: in the form of a verb the word issue can be used to denote;

Supply or give out

They issued the applications last month.

These example and definitions highlight that the word issue can be used in a range of situations to denote different meanings. However, when comprehending the difference between issue and concern, it is vital to bear in mind that the word issue is used in a more general sense. This is much more impersonal than the word concern.

What does Concern mean?

The word concern can also be used in a number of situations to mean different things.

Noun: as a noun, it denotes the following.

Anxiety

His concern for the employees was much greater than his desire for success.

A matter of interest or importance

The concern of the general public on gendered violence found an outlet in the incident.

Verb: as a verb, it can mean the following.

Affect or involve

I did not know that it concerned you in any way.

Make anxious

Are you concerned about him?

Just as the word issue, the word concern can also be used in a number of situations to denote different meanings. The examples above highlight how a different meaning can be highlighted in each situation. The word concern is mostly used when referring to someone that we know or close to us. In this sense, this partiality cannot be observed in the word issue.

What is the difference between Issue and Concern?

• Meanings:

• Issue:

• An important topic that is debatable or controversial.

• Each of a regular series of publications.

• Objection.

• Personal difficulty.

• Concern:

• Anxiety.

• A matter of interest or importance.

• General rule of usage:

• The main difference between the two words stems from partiality.

• The word issue is used for more general situations or matters, which do not directly affect us but affects the society.

• The word concern is used for matters that directly affect us.

Images Courtesy:

1. Notch Magazine cover by 2203rock (CC BY 3.0)
2. The Concern by Alex Proimos (CC BY 2.0)