Is “Solutioning” a Real Word? What You Should Say Instead

The word “solutioning” has become a common fixture in modern business jargon, particularly in fields like consulting, technology, and project management. However, its legitimacy as a formal English word has long been a subject of debate among linguists, editors, and language purists. While its usage is widespread, understanding its origins, its place in the lexicon, and the alternatives available is crucial for clear and effective communication.

This article delves into the nuances surrounding “solutioning,” exploring why it’s often considered problematic and offering a variety of more precise and widely accepted alternatives. By examining the linguistic context and practical implications, we aim to equip readers with the knowledge to communicate more effectively, whether they are crafting professional documents, engaging in client conversations, or simply aiming for greater clarity in their everyday language.

The Etymological Roots and Linguistic Debate of “Solutioning”

The term “solutioning” appears to have emerged from the practice of creating solutions, particularly in technical or complex problem-solving contexts. It functions as a gerund or present participle, derived from the verb “to solution,” which itself is a back-formation from “solution.”

Linguistically, the debate centers on whether “solutioning” has gained enough widespread and consistent usage to be considered a legitimate, albeit informal, word. Dictionaries often lag behind popular usage, and while some may not yet list “solutioning,” its prevalence in business settings suggests a de facto acceptance in certain professional circles.

However, critics argue that “solutioning” is often a vague and imprecise term. It can be used to describe a wide range of activities, from brainstorming to implementation, leading to ambiguity and a lack of clarity in communication. This imprecision is a primary reason why many advocate for more specific and traditional terminology.

Why “Solutioning” is Often Criticized

The primary criticism leveled against “solutioning” is its lack of specificity. In many instances, it serves as a jargonistic placeholder for more concrete actions and processes. This vagueness can obscure the actual work being done, making it difficult for listeners or readers to understand the precise nature of the task or outcome.

Furthermore, its overuse can contribute to a perception of corporate speak or buzzword-laden communication. When a team or company relies heavily on terms like “solutioning,” it can alienate those who prefer clear, direct language, potentially hindering effective collaboration and understanding.

The verb “to solution” itself is also considered awkward by many. English typically forms verbs from nouns through suffixes like “-ize” or “-ify,” or by using the noun directly as a verb (e.g., “to email”). “Solutioning” does not follow these common patterns, which contributes to its informal or even incorrect status in the eyes of many grammarians.

Understanding the Nuance: When is “Solutioning” Acceptable?

Despite the criticisms, “solutioning” has carved out a space for itself, particularly in fast-paced, innovative environments where new terms often emerge to describe novel processes. In some specialized fields, it might be used internally with a very specific, shared understanding among practitioners.

For example, in sales or consulting, “solutioning” might refer to the entire process of understanding a client’s problem and designing a tailored offering to address it. This encompasses discovery, analysis, proposal development, and even initial implementation planning.

However, even in these contexts, the risks of misinterpretation remain. Using “solutioning” in broader communications or with external stakeholders can lead to confusion, necessitating a careful consideration of the audience and the desired level of clarity.

The Power of Precision: Replacing “Solutioning” with Specific Verbs

The most effective way to address the imprecision of “solutioning” is to replace it with more specific and descriptive verbs. The choice of verb should accurately reflect the action being performed.

Consider the various stages involved in addressing a problem. Instead of saying “we are solutioning,” one might say “we are analyzing the problem,” “we are designing a strategy,” “we are developing a plan,” or “we are implementing the fix.”

Each of these verbs carries a distinct meaning and paints a clearer picture of the activity. This precision not only improves understanding but also demonstrates a deeper grasp of the process itself.

Alternative Phrasing for Problem-Solving and Design

When “solutioning” is used to describe the process of creating solutions, a wealth of more precise alternatives exists. These terms capture different facets of problem-solving and design.

For the initial stages of understanding a challenge, words like “analyzing,” “investigating,” “diagnosing,” or “researching” are highly appropriate. These terms highlight the critical step of defining the problem accurately.

Once the problem is understood, the focus shifts to generating potential answers. Here, verbs such as “designing,” “developing,” “engineering,” “architecting,” or “formulating” come into play, emphasizing the creative and constructive aspects of solution creation.

The process of bringing a solution to life can be described using terms like “implementing,” “executing,” “deploying,” or “building.” These words clearly indicate the active phase of putting a plan into action.

Alternatives for Strategic Planning and Development

In contexts where “solutioning” refers to strategic initiatives or the development of new approaches, more sophisticated vocabulary can be employed. This is particularly relevant in business strategy and innovation.

Instead of “solutioning a new market entry,” one might “develop a market entry strategy,” “formulate a go-to-market plan,” or “design a new business model.” These phrases are more informative and professional.

Similarly, for product development, “solutioning a feature” can be replaced with “designing a feature,” “prototyping a module,” “engineering a component,” or “developing a user experience.”

These alternatives not only enhance clarity but also convey a greater sense of expertise and intentionality in the planning and development phases.

Replacing “Solutioning” in Client Interactions

Client-facing communication demands the highest level of clarity and professionalism. Using jargon like “solutioning” can create a disconnect and undermine trust.

When discussing potential offerings with clients, it’s far more effective to say, “We will work with you to develop a tailored solution” or “Our process involves understanding your unique needs and designing a comprehensive plan.”

Phrases like “We are currently solutioning your request” can be replaced with “We are actively working on a solution for you” or “We are analyzing your requirements to present the best possible options.”

This direct and transparent language ensures clients feel understood and confident in the provider’s ability to address their concerns effectively.

The Verb “Solve” and Its Directness

Often, the simplest and most direct approach is the best. The verb “solve” is a powerful and widely understood word that can effectively replace “solutioning” in many scenarios.

Instead of “We need to start solutioning this issue,” one can simply say, “We need to solve this issue.” This is concise, clear, and leaves no room for ambiguity.

When referring to the process, “solving the problem” or “working towards a solution” are perfectly acceptable and more grammatically sound phrases.

The act of solving implies a resolution, a definitive answer or remedy. Using “solve” directly communicates this intention and outcome.

“Developing a Solution” as a Robust Alternative

The phrase “developing a solution” is a widely accepted and highly effective alternative to “solutioning.” It clearly articulates the process of creation and problem-solving.

This phrase encompasses the entire journey from identifying a need to crafting a tangible answer. It suggests a thoughtful and methodical approach.

For instance, instead of “The team is solutioning the software bug,” one could say, “The team is developing a solution for the software bug.” This is more professional and descriptive.

It conveys that effort, ingenuity, and a structured process are being applied to overcome a challenge.

“Creating a Solution” for a More Active Tone

Similar to “developing a solution,” the phrase “creating a solution” emphasizes the active and constructive nature of the work. It implies innovation and the bringing forth of something new.

This phrasing is particularly useful when the solution involves a novel approach or a significant departure from existing methods. It highlights the ingenuity involved.

For example, “We are solutioning a new customer engagement model” can be more powerfully stated as “We are creating a new customer engagement model.”

This conveys a sense of purpose and accomplishment, suggesting that a deliberate effort is underway to build something impactful.

“Engineering a Solution” for Technical Contexts

In fields where technical expertise and rigorous design are paramount, such as software development, mechanical engineering, or civil engineering, “engineering a solution” is a highly appropriate and descriptive phrase.

This term implies a systematic, scientific, and often complex approach to problem-solving. It suggests that the solution is built upon sound principles and methodologies.

Replacing “solutioning the system architecture” with “engineering the system architecture” clearly communicates the technical depth and methodical process involved.

It signals that the solution is not merely an idea but a carefully constructed and validated outcome.

“Formulating a Strategy” for Planning and Approach

When “solutioning” is used in the context of high-level planning or outlining an overall approach to a problem, “formulating a strategy” is an excellent alternative.

This phrase is particularly relevant in business, military, or policy contexts where a comprehensive plan of action is required.

Instead of “We are solutioning our response to the market shift,” one could say, “We are formulating a strategy to respond to the market shift.”

This choice of words emphasizes the intellectual and deliberate nature of planning, highlighting the thought and consideration put into developing a path forward.

“Designing a Plan” for Structured Action

For situations that require a structured, step-by-step approach to address a challenge, “designing a plan” offers a clear and actionable alternative.

This phrase suggests a deliberate process of outlining steps, allocating resources, and setting objectives to achieve a desired outcome.

When a team might otherwise say, “We’re solutioning the project timeline,” it would be more precise to state, “We are designing the project timeline.”

This emphasizes the careful construction and organization required to ensure successful execution and completion of tasks.

“Addressing the Issue” for Direct Problem Tackling

In many everyday and professional contexts, “solutioning” is simply a verbose way of saying “addressing the issue” or “dealing with the problem.”

These shorter, more direct phrases are often more impactful and easier to understand. They convey a sense of immediate action and focus.

Instead of “We need to start solutioning this problem,” a more effective statement would be, “We need to start addressing this issue immediately.”

This directness communicates urgency and a clear intention to confront and manage the challenge at hand.

“Finding a Resolution” for Definitive Outcomes

When the goal is to reach a conclusive end to a problem or dispute, “finding a resolution” is a precise and professional alternative to “solutioning.”

This phrase specifically points towards achieving a final settlement or a definitive answer, implying a process that leads to closure.

For example, in a negotiation or conflict, instead of “We’re solutioning this disagreement,” one might say, “We are working towards finding a resolution to this disagreement.”

This highlights the objective of achieving a mutually agreeable or definitive outcome, emphasizing the end-state rather than the ongoing process.

“Troubleshooting” for Technical or Systemic Problems

In IT, engineering, and other technical fields, “troubleshooting” is a well-established and precise term that often serves as a more accurate descriptor than “solutioning.”

Troubleshooting specifically refers to the systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and repairing faults or problems in a system, machine, or software.

If a team is “solutioning a network connectivity issue,” it is more accurate and professional to say they are “troubleshooting the network connectivity issue.”

This term clearly defines the activity as a diagnostic and repair process, avoiding the broader and potentially vaguer implications of “solutioning.”

Final Thoughts on Clarity and Professionalism

The journey through the nuances of “solutioning” reveals a common pattern in language evolution: new terms emerge to fill perceived gaps, but they often lack the precision and established legitimacy of older, more robust vocabulary.

While “solutioning” may persist in certain informal or specialized circles, opting for clearer, more specific alternatives significantly enhances communication. The act of choosing the right word—whether it’s “solve,” “develop,” “design,” “engineer,” or “troubleshoot”—demonstrates a commitment to clarity, professionalism, and effective expression.

Ultimately, the goal is not just to avoid a word, but to embrace language that accurately reflects the complexity and intentionality of our work, fostering better understanding and stronger relationships in all our professional endeavors.