issue

1. [N-COUNT : usu with supp] An issue is an important subject that people are arguing about or discussing.

• Agents will raise the issue of prize-money for next year's world championships.    
• Is it right for the Church to express a view on political issues?  
• =  subject, matter   
• cf. side issue

2. [N-SING : the N] If something is the issue, it is the thing you consider to be the most important part of a situation or discussion.

• I was earning a lot of money, but that was not the issue.  
• The real issue was never addressed.

... Cobuild

4(d). The essential point; crux: the issue of how to provide adequate child care.

... Am-Heritage