Problem:
Problem is a matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. A problem may be defined as the “gap” between the current status and the desired status. A problem which can be caused by different reasons and if solvable, can usually be solved in a number of different ways is defined in a number of different ways.
Issue:
Issue is associated with difficult decisions and disagreements. It can mean the topic that people are talking about or disagreeing on. An issue is a factor that might cause you some annoyance. An issue also holds potential. Issues bear only a slight impact. Issues can be handled privately. An issue may have the potential to cause harm. An issue has a readily recognizable situation. Issue is smaller not life altering. It can be temporarily or permanently.
Differences:
| Basis | Problem | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Definition (www.oxforddictionaries.com) |
A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome | An important topic or problem for debate or discussion |
| Synonyms | Dilemma, mystery, obstacle, doubt, matter, poser, trouble | Effect, question, conclusion, consequence, distribute, end and point |
| Antonyms | Answer, explanation, comfort, benefit, amend, alleviate, ease | Cause, origin, reason, vanish, occasion, suppress, hold |
| Controversy | There is no element of controversy in a problem. | An issue is all about the controversy. |
| Scope | A problem is concerned with the organization or the institution as a whole. | An issue is concerned with one or a few persons of an organization or an institution. |
| Character | Problem is personal in character. | An issue is organizational in character. |
| Word origin | The word problem was originated from Late Middle English (originally denoting a riddle or a question for academic discussion): from Old French probleme, via Latin from Greek problēma, from proballein ‘put forth’, from pro ‘before’ + ballein ‘to throw’. | The word issue was originated from Middle English (in the sense ‘outflowing’): from Old French, based on Latin exitus, past participle of exire ‘goes out’. |
| Cause | Problems cause others to be affected. | Issues cause personal annoyance. |
| Handle | Problems must be handled openly. | Issues can be handled privately. |
| Lengthen | A problem cannot be lengthened. | An issue could be lengthened. |
| Grow | Problems if not solved cannot grow on impact but tend to remain same. | Issues if not solved can grow on impact. |
| Harm | A problem does not have the potential to cause harm. | An issue can have the potential to cause harm. |
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