litter problem
- noun
- /ˈlɪtər ˈprɒbləm/
- The city has been working to address its litter problem by increasing the number of trash cans in public areas.
Examples
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The city's litter problem has worsened over the years.
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Tourists have complained about the litter problem on the popular beaches.
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Community groups often organize clean-up events to tackle the local litter problem.
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Have you noticed the litter problem in our neighborhood?
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The city launched an initiative to combat the growing litter problem in local parks.
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Educating residents about recycling can help reduce the litter problem in our community.
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Volunteers gathered to clean up the beach and tackle the serious litter problem there.
Synonyms
Things people throw away because they are unwanted
Waste left in public places like streets and parks
Antonyms
How Serious
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'a situation in which waste or trash accumulates' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'litter' (rubbish left outdoors) with 'problem' (a condition that causes difficulty). This simple noun + noun composition follows common cross-linguistic patterns and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.
Etymology
The noun litter problem gives a simple image: litter are bits of trash scattered around a place, and when those bits pile up they become a problem that makes the area dirty or unsafe. So, litter problem means 'a situation where trash keeps building up and causes trouble'.