Issue vs. Concern — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
An issue is a problem or topic for discussion; a concern is a worry or matter of interest.
Difference Between Issue and Concern
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An issue often refers to a topic or problem that requires attention or resolution. For example, a magazine might have a special "issue" dedicated to environmental challenges. Conversely, a concern typically points to something that causes anxiety or interest. If someone says they have a "concern" about a project, they're expressing a worry or apprehension about it.
The word issue might be used in formal situations, like business meetings or academic discussions, to identify a particular topic or challenge. Meanwhile, the term concern can be seen as more emotional, implying care, interest, or apprehension. For instance, environmental issues might be discussed at a summit, while individual concerns about the environment may refer to personal anxieties or interests in ecological well-being.
Comparison Chart
Nature
A problem or topic.
A worry or matter of interest.
Usage
More formal or neutral.
Often emotional or personal.
Grammatical Role
Can be a noun or verb.
Primarily used as a noun.
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Associated Feelings
May not imply emotion.
Typically implies care or apprehension.
Examples
"Issue of a magazine", "technical issue".
"A concern for safety", "major concern".
Compare with Definitions
Issue
A point or matter of discussion, debate, or dispute
What legal and moral issues should we consider?.
Concern
A matter of interest or importance.
Safety is our primary concern.
Issue
The act of distributing or publishing something.
The latest issue of the magazine hit the stands today.
Concern
A feeling of anxiety or worry.
My main concern is your wellbeing.
Issue
A result or outcome.
The new law has many unintended issues.
Concern
To be of interest or importance to.
The matter doesn't concern you.
Issue
A point of contention or dispute.
The main issue between them is trust.
Concern
Relate to; be about
The report is mainly concerned with 1984 onwards
The story concerns a friend of mine
Issue
A matter of public concern
Debated economic issues.
Concern
Make (someone) anxious or worried
Don't concern yourself, old boy—my lips are sealed
The roof of the barn concerns me because eventually it will fall in
Issue
A misgiving, objection, or complaint
Had issues with the plan to change the curriculum.
Concern
Anxiety; worry
Carole gazed at her with concern
Issue
A problem or difficulty.
Concern
A matter of interest or importance to someone
Housing is the concern of the Housing Executive
The prospect should be of concern to us all
Issue
A personal problem
Is convinced that her boss has issues.
Concern
A business
The town's only travel agent was a small, debt-ridden concern
Issue
The act of circulating, distributing, or publishing by a business, government, or organization
Government issue of new bonds.
Concern
A complicated or awkward object.
Issue
An item or set of items, as stamps or coins, made available at one time by a business, government, or organization.
Concern
To have to do with or relate to
An article that concerns the plight of homeless people.
Issue
A single copy of a periodical
The May issue of the magazine.
Concern
To be of interest or importance to
This problem concerns all of us.
Issue
A distinct set of copies of an edition of a book distinguished from others of that edition by variations in the printed matter.
Concern
To engage the attention of; involve
We concerned ourselves with accomplishing the task at hand.
Issue
Proceeds from estates or fines.
Concern
To cause anxiety or uneasiness in
The firm's weak financial posture is starting to concern its stockholders.
Issue
Something proceeding from a specified source
Suspicions that were the issue of a deranged mind.
Concern
To be of importance.
Issue
A culminating point leading to a decision
Bring a case to an issue.
Concern
A matter that relates to or affects one
What I do is not your concern.
Issue
A final result or conclusion, as a solution to a problem.
Concern
Regard for or interest in someone or something
His concern for you is genuine.
Issue
The act or an instance of flowing, passing, or giving out
Where the lake gives issue to its waters.
Concern
A troubled or anxious state of mind
A frown that expressed great concern.
Issue
A place of egress; an outlet
A lake with no issue to the sea.
Concern
A business establishment or enterprise; a firm.
Issue
A discharge, as of blood or pus.
Concern
That which affects one’s welfare or happiness. A matter of interest to someone.
Mark’s health was of great concern to Connie.
Issue
A lesion, wound, or ulcer producing such a discharge.
Concern
The placement of interest or worry on a subject.
Most people in Australia have no concern for the recent events in London.
Issue
Offspring; progeny
Died without issue.
Concern
A worry; a sense that something may be wrong; an identification of a possible problem.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the document.
Issue
To flow, go, or come out
Water issuing from a spring.
Voices issuing from a room.
Concern
The expression of solicitude, anxiety, or compassion toward a thing or person.
Judy's eyes filled with concern as she listened to the news report.
Issue
To proceed from a source; emerge or come forth
Ideas issuing from a discussion. ].
Concern
A business, firm or enterprise; a company.
The employees’ attitude is really hurting the concern.
A going concern
Issue
The action or an instance of flowing or coming out, an outflow, particularly:
Concern
(programming) Any set of information that affects the code of a computer program.
Issue
A movement of soldiers towards an enemy, a sortie.
Concern
(transitive) To relate or belong to; to have reference to or connection with; to affect the interest of; to be of importance to.
Issue
The outflow of a bodily fluid, particularly in abnormal amounts.
The technique minimizes the issue of blood from the incision.
Concern
(transitive) To engage by feeling or sentiment; to interest.
A good prince concerns himself in the happiness of his subjects.
Issue
Someone or something that flows out or comes out, particularly:
Concern
(transitive) To make somebody worried.
I’m concerned that she’s becoming an alcoholic.
Issue
The bodily fluid drained through a natural or artificial issue.
Concern
To relate or belong to; to have reference to or connection with; to affect the interest of; to be of importance to.
Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our wars with France have affected us in our most tender interests, and concerned us more than those with any other nation.
It much concerns a preacher first to learnThe genius of his audience and their turn.
Ignorant, so far as the usual instruction is concerned.
Issue
Offspring: one's natural child or children.
He died lawyered up.
Concern
To engage by feeling or sentiment; to interest; as, a good prince concerns himself in the happiness of his subjects.
They think themselves out the reach of Providence, and no longer concerned to solicit his favor.
Issue
Progeny: all one's lineal descendants.
Although his own kingdom disappeared, his issue went on to rule a quarter of Europe.
Concern
To be of importance.
Which to deny concerns more than avails.
Issue
A race of people considered as the descendants of some common ancestor.
Concern
That which relates or belongs to one; business; affair.
The private concerns of fanilies.
Issue
The produce or income derived from farmland or rental properties.
3. A conveys to B all right to the real property aforementioned for a term of _____ years, with all said real property's attendant issues, rents, and profits.
Concern
That which affects the welfare or happiness; interest; moment.
Mysterious secrets of a high concern.
Issue
Income derived from fines levied by a court or law-enforcement officer; the fines themselves.
Concern
Interest in, or care for, any person or thing; regard; solicitude; anxiety.
O Marcia, let me hope thy kind concernsAnd gentle wishes follow me to battle.
Issue
The entrails of a slaughtered animal.
Concern
Persons connected in business; a firm and its business; as, a banking concern.
Issue
Any action or deed performed by a person.
Concern
Something that interests you because it is important or affects you;
The safety of the ship is the captain's concern
Issue
Luck considered as the favor or disfavor of nature, the gods, or God.
Concern
An anxious feeling;
Care had aged him
They hushed it up out of fear of public reaction
Issue
A single edition of a newspaper or other periodical publication.
Yeah, I just got the June issue of Wombatboy.
Concern
A commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it;
He bought his brother's business
A small mom-and-pop business
A racially integrated business concern
Issue
The entire set of some item printed and disseminated during a certain period, particularly a single printing of a particular edition of a work when contrasted with other print runs.
The May 1918 issue of US 24-cent stamps became famous when a printer's error inverted its depiction of an airmail plane.
Concern
Something or someone that causes anxiety; a source of unhappiness;
New York traffic is a constant concern
It's a major worry
Issue
The entire set of something; all of something.
The bloody sergeant snaffled our whole issue of booze, dammit.
Concern
A feeling of sympathy for someone or something;
She felt strong concern for those less fortunate
Issue
(finance) Any financial instrument issued by a company.
The company's issues have included securities.
Concern
Have to do with or be relevant to;
There were lots of questions referring to her talk
My remark pertained to your earlier comments
Issue
The loan of a book etc. from a library to a patron; all such loans by a given library during a given period.
Concern
Be on the mind of;
I worry about the second Germanic consonant
Issue
The means or opportunity by which something flows or comes out, particularly:
Concern
A business or establishment.
The bakery is a family-run concern.
Issue
A sewer.
Concern
To involve or affect.
The news concerns all residents.
Issue
The place where something flows or comes out, an outlet, particularly:
Issue
An exit from a room or building.
Issue
A confluence: the mouth of a river; the outlet of a lake or other body of water.
Issue
The action or an instance of sending something out, particularly:
The issue of the directive from the treasury prompted the central bank's most recent issue of currency.
Issue
A small incision, tear, or artificial ulcer, used to drain fluid and usually held open with a pea or other small object.
Issue
The production or distribution of something for general use.
Congress delegated the issue of US currency to the Federal Reserve in 1913.
Issue
The distribution of something (particularly rations or standardized provisions) to someone or some group.
The uniform was standard prison issue.
Issue
(finance) The action or an instance of a company selling bonds, stock, or other securities.
The company's stock issue diluted his ownership.
Issue
Any question or situation to be resolved, particularly:
Please stand by. We are having technical issues.
Issue
A point of law or fact in dispute or question in a legal action presented for resolution by the court.
The issue before the court is whether participation in a group blog makes the plaintiff a public figure under the relevant statute.
Issue
Anything in dispute, an area of disagreement whose resolution is being debated or decided.
For chrissakes, John, don't make an issue out of it. Just sleep on the floor if you want.
Issue
A dispute between two alternatives, a dilemma.
Issue
A psychological or emotional difficulty, any problem or concern considered as a vague and intractable difficulty.
She has daddy issues, mommy issues, drug issues, money issues, trust issues, printer issues... I'm just sayin', girl's got issues.
Issue
The action or an instance of concluding something, particularly:
Issue
The end of any action or process.
Issue
The end of any period of time.
Issue
The end result of an event or events, any result or outcome, particularly:
Issue
The result of a discussion or negotiation, an agreement.
Issue
The result of an investigation or consideration, a conclusion.
Issue
The action or an instance of feeling some emotion.
Issue
The action or an instance of leaving any state or condition.
Issue
To flow out, to proceed from, to come out or from.
The water issued forth from the spring.
The rents issuing from the land permitted him to live as a man of independent means.
Issue
To rush out, to sally forth.
The men issued from the town and attacked the besiegers.
Issue
To extend into, to open onto.
The road issues into the highway.
Issue
To turn out in a certain way, to result in.
Issue
(archaic) To end up as, to turn out being, to become as a result.
Issue
(legal) To come to a point in fact or law on which the parties join issue.
Issue
To send out; to put into circulation.
The Federal Reserve issues US dollars.
Issue
To deliver for use.
The prison issued new uniforms for the inmates.
Issue
To deliver by authority.
The court issued a writ of mandamus.
Issue
The act of passing or flowing out; a moving out from any inclosed place; egress; as, the issue of water from a pipe, of blood from a wound, of air from a bellows, of people from a house.
Issue
The act of sending out, or causing to go forth; delivery; issuance; as, the issue of an order from a commanding officer; the issue of money from a treasury.
Issue
That which passes, flows, or is sent out; the whole quantity sent forth or emitted at one time; as, an issue of bank notes; the daily issue of a newspaper.
Issue
Progeny; a child or children; offspring. In law, sometimes, in a general sense, all persons descended from a common ancestor; all lineal descendants.
If the kingShould without issue die.
Issue
Produce of the earth, or profits of land, tenements, or other property; as, A conveyed to B all his right for a term of years, with all the issues, rents, and profits.
Issue
A discharge of flux, as of blood.
Issue
An artificial ulcer, usually made in the fleshy part of the arm or leg, to produce the secretion and discharge of pus for the relief of some affected part.
Issue
The final outcome or result; upshot; conclusion; event; hence, contest; test; trial.
Come forth to viewThe issue of the exploit.
While it is hot, I 'll put it to the issue.
Issue
A point in debate or controversy on which the parties take affirmative and negative positions; a presentation of alternatives between which to choose or decide; a point of contention; a matter in controversy.
Issue
In pleading, a single material point of law or fact depending in the suit, which, being affirmed on the one side and denied on the other, is presented for determination. See General issue, under General, and Feigned issue, under Feigned.
As much at issue with the summer dayAs if you brought a candle out of doors.
Issue
To pass or flow out; to run out, as from any inclosed place.
From it issued forced drops of blood.
Issue
To go out; to rush out; to sally forth; as, troops issued from the town, and attacked the besiegers.
Issue
To proceed, as from a source; as, water issues from springs; light issues from the sun.
Issue
To proceed, as progeny; to be derived; to be descended; to spring.
Of thy sons that shall issue from thee.
Issue
To extend; to pass or open; as, the path issues into the highway.
Issue
To be produced as an effect or result; to grow or accrue; to arise; to proceed; as, rents and profits issuing from land, tenements, or a capital stock.
Issue
To close; to end; to terminate; to turn out; as, we know not how the cause will issue.
Issue
In pleading, to come to a point in fact or law, on which the parties join issue.
Issue
To send out; to put into circulation; as, to issue notes from a bank.
Issue
To deliver for use; as, to issue provisions.
Issue
To send out officially; to deliver by authority; as, to issue an order; to issue a writ.
Issue
An important question that is in dispute and must be settled;
The issue could be settled by requiring public education for everyone
Politicians never discuss the real issues
Issue
One of a series published periodically;
She found an old issue of the magazine in her dentist's waitingroom
Issue
The provision of something by issuing it (usually in quantity);
A new issue of stamps
The last issue of penicillin was over a month ago
Issue
Some situation or event that is thought about;
He kept drifting off the topic
He had been thinking about the subject for several years
It is a matter for the police
Issue
Supplies (as food or clothing or ammunition) issued by the government
Issue
The immediate descendants of a person;
She was the mother of many offspring
He died without issue
Issue
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Issue
The income arising from land or other property;
The average return was about 5%
Issue
The becoming visible;
Not a day's difference between the emergence of the andrenas and the opening of the willow catkins
Issue
An opening that permits escape or release;
He blocked the way out
The canyon had only one issue
Issue
The act of issuing printed materials
Issue
Prepare and issue for public distribution or sale;
Publish a magazine or newspaper
Issue
Circulate or distribute or equip with;
Issue a new uniform to the children
Supply blankets for the beds
Issue
Bring out an official document (such as a warrant)
Issue
Come out of;
Water issued from the hole in the wall
The words seemed to come out by themselves
Issue
Make out and issue;
Write out a check
Cut a ticket
Please make the check out to me
Issue
A topic or problem for discussion.
The meeting will address several important issues.
Issue
To come out, emerge, or be produced.
The company will issue a statement tomorrow.
Common Curiosities
What is a Concern in context?
Concern typically means a matter of interest or a feeling of anxiety about something.
Can Issue be used as a verb?
Yes, "issue" can be a verb meaning to distribute, publish, or produce.
Is Concern always about negative feelings?
No, concern can also indicate interest or involvement without negative connotations.
How is Issue used in publishing?
In publishing, an "issue" refers to a particular edition or release of a magazine, journal, or other periodic publications.
Can a Concern lead to an Issue?
Yes, unaddressed concerns can develop into larger problems or issues.
How does Concern relate to businesses?
"Concern" can refer to a business or establishment, particularly in older or formal usage.
Is every Issue a Concern?
Not necessarily. While every problem (issue) might be a matter of interest (concern) to someone, not every topic (issue) might be worrisome (concern) to all.
What does Issue mean?
Issue refers to a topic, problem, or matter that requires attention or resolution.
How do Issue and Concern differ emotionally?
While "issue" can be neutral, "concern" often implies care, interest, or apprehension.
How do newspapers use the term Issue?
Newspapers might refer to a specific day's publication as an "issue."
Is a "health issue" the same as a "health concern"?
Not always. A "health issue" refers to a specific health problem, while a "health concern" can be a worry about potential health problems.
Does Concern always indicate involvement?
Not always, but it often implies a level of personal interest or stake in a matter.
Issue or Concern?
Both words can be used formally, but "issue" is often seen in more formal or neutral contexts, while "concern" can be more personal or emotional.
Can one have concerns without specific issues?
Yes, one can have general worries or concerns without pinpointing a specific problem or issue.
Can an Issue be positive?
While "issue" often denotes problems, it can neutrally refer to topics or matters, which may be positive or neutral.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
