contentious issue
noun phraseUK /kənˈtɛnʃəs ˈɪʃuː/
US /kənˈtɛnʃəs ˈɪʃuː/
A topic that people argue about because they disagree.
Whether to build a new park became a contentious issue in our town.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A subject that causes strong public disagreement.
Climate policy remains a contentious issue in the election.
3. A question that is hard to settle because both sides feel strongly.
The school uniform rule was a contentious issue at the meeting.
4. A matter that people keep fighting about over time.
Money is often a contentious issue in family discussions.