What is the difference between Issue and Problem?

The terms issue and problem may be used interchangeably by people but do they mean the same thing? Issue refers to something that would need to be solved immediately. An issue usually has a solution so that life can get back on track.

An issue is considered to be smaller as compared to a problem that can truly have an effect on the way that a person lives. A problem can be a big deal and it can make people’s lives stop for a while. The changes may sometimes be temporary but there are also instances when a problem can change people’s lives in a permanent manner.

If you ever had a bad day, then you may have had a problem that you tried to fix. You may also have had an issue that you needed to be worked out. In either case, these words are used interchangeably as synonyms often in people’s vocabulary. There are subtle differences between the definitions and usage of the words, issue and problem.

A problem is usually used to mean something that is more specific than an issue. An issue may be something more generally speaking. It also may be a situation that many people experience and can relate to. However, a problem is more specific to the individual person experiencing the situation. Either way, help would be needed to resolve either the issue or problem.