Meaning & use
latent issue
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountable
a problem that is present but not yet visible or active
Grammar: Countable: use 'a latent issue' or 'latent issues'. Often followed by 'in' or 'with': a latent issue in the system.
Patterns
- a latent issue in something
- a latent issue with something
- remain a latent issue
The audit uncovered a latent issue in the payment system that could cause errors later.
Managers should look for latent issues before they become emergencies.
The report described the problem as a latent issue rather than an immediate crisis.
Word forms
| plural | latent issues |
|---|
Common combinations
- a latent issue in
- There is a latent issue in the software that only appears under heavy use.
- a latent issue with
- The engineers found a latent issue with the cooling system.
- remain a latent issue
- Even after the update, the bug remained a latent issue.
- uncover a latent issue
- The review uncovered a latent issue in the supply chain.
Synonyms and how they differ
- hidden problem
- More general and informal; 'latent issue' suggests the problem is not yet active, while 'hidden problem' simply means it is not obvious.
- potential problem
- Focuses on what might happen in the future; 'latent issue' emphasizes that the problem already exists but is not yet visible.
- underlying issue
- Often used for a basic cause beneath surface symptoms; 'latent issue' stresses that it has not yet shown itself.
Opposites
Word family
- latency noun
- the state of being present but not yet active or visible
- latently adverb
- in a way that is present but not yet active
Commonly confused: latent issue or latent?
latent issue vs latent
'Latent' is the adjective meaning 'present but not visible'; 'latent issue' is the full noun phrase. Don't use 'latent' alone as a noun.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'latent issue' correctly?
Choose one answer.
Choice B fits because a latent issue is a problem that exists but is not yet active, so you address it before it becomes real. Choice An is wrong because if it appeared immediately, it was not latent. Choice C uses 'issue' in a different sense (a liking or concern) and does not fit the phrase. Choice D contradicts the meaning of 'latent' (hidden, not yet visible).
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “latent issue”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.