Resistance vs You have a problem with authority

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Resistance

Top 2,000 (common)C1noun

You have a problem with authority

Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: Resistance
 ResistanceYou have a problem with authority
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈzɪstəns/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈzɪstəns/"]/🇬🇧 //juː hæv ə ˈprɒbləm wɪð ɔːˈθɒrəti//🇺🇸 //juː hæv ə ˈprɑːbləm wɪð əˈθɔːrɪti//
MeaningThe ability to fight back against something.You have trouble respecting people in control.
ExampleThe resistance to the new policy was widespread among the employees.Many students who have a problem with authority often struggle to fit into strict educational systems.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 5,000 (fairly common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechnoun
Collocationsconsiderable, great, massive, mount, offer, put up, stiffen, collapse, crumble, movement, fighter, forces, without resistance, resistance against, resistance to, the line of least resistance, the path of least resistance, a pocket of resistance, considerable, great, massive, mount, offer, put up, stiffen, collapse, crumble, movement, fighter, forces, without resistance, resistance against, resistance to, the line of least resistance, the path of least resistance, a pocket of resistance, high, increased, low, have, build up, develop, resistance toindividual with a problem with authority, problem with authority figures, have a serious problem with authority, address a problem with authority, examine one's problem with authority
Antonymscompliance, acceptance, submission-
Common mistakesConfused with 'resistant' which describes something that can withstand., Using 'resistance' without an object, which can make the sentence unclear., Mixing up synonyms and using them incorrectly in context.Confusing with 'an authority problem', which has a slightly different implication., Using it too casually in formal situations., Misinterpreting as a general dislike; it's more about conflict with control.
Usage notesUse 'resistance' in contexts involving conflict or opposition. It's appropriate in discussions on politics, psychology, or physics. Avoid using it in informal situations without a clear context.This phrase is often used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who challenges or disregards rules and commands from those in power.

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Resistance
You have a problem with authority

Frequently asked questions: Resistance vs You have a problem with authority

What's the difference between Resistance and You have a problem with authority?

Resistance: The ability to fight back against something. You have a problem with authority: You have trouble respecting people in control.

Which is more common: Resistance and You have a problem with authority?

Resistance is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Resistance: The resistance to the new policy was widespread among the employees. You have a problem with authority: Many students who have a problem with authority often struggle to fit into strict educational systems.

Can I use Resistance and You have a problem with authority interchangeably?

Not always. Resistance and You have a problem with authority are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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