Difficult relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Difficult relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is characterized by challenges, conflicts, or misunderstandings between individuals or groups. Example: "Their difficult relationship has been a source of tension within the family for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The two have a difficult relationship.

Independent

"We had a difficult relationship.

The New Yorker

"I never had a difficult relationship.

The Guardian

The company has had a difficult relationship with the WGA.

The Guardian

He and his mother "had a very difficult relationship.

The Guardian

Which isn't to say they didn't have a difficult relationship.

The New Yorker

They were worsened by Shas's difficult relationship with Mr. Barak.

The New York Times

"And Nokia has had a difficult relationship with the carriers".

The New York Times

The country has always had a difficult relationship with water.

The New Yorker

She had a difficult relationship with her mother.

The New York Times

"From everything I have heard, this has been a very difficult relationship".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more nuanced language to capture the specific dynamics of the "difficult relationship", such as "strained", "challenging", or "contentious", depending on the most relevant aspect.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions of a "difficult relationship" without providing specific examples or context. Generalizations can be uninformative and may not accurately reflect the complexities involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult relationship" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "relationship". It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the nature of a connection between people or entities. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult relationship" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a connection characterized by challenges, conflicts, or strain. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "difficult relationship" provides a general overview, more specific alternatives like "strained relationship", "challenging relationship", or "contentious relationship" can add depth and clarity. When using "difficult relationship", it's beneficial to provide specific examples or context to avoid vagueness and ensure accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Strained relationship

Emphasizes the tension and lack of ease within the relationship.

Challenging relationship

Highlights the demanding nature of the relationship, requiring significant effort.

Troubled relationship

Focuses on the problems and difficulties experienced.

Rocky relationship

Suggests instability and frequent ups and downs.

Contentious relationship

Highlights frequent disagreements and arguments.

Fractious relationship

Implies irritability and a tendency to argue.

Tense relationship

Underscores the underlying anxiety and unease.

Discordant relationship

Focuses on the lack of harmony and agreement.

Problematic relationship

Highlights the issues and negative aspects of the relationship.

Uneasy alliance

Highlights the discomfort and potential instability in a partnership.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "difficult relationship" with someone?

Having a "difficult relationship" means experiencing challenges, conflicts, or tension in your interactions with another person. This can stem from various factors such as differing personalities, conflicting values, or unresolved issues.

What are some signs of a "difficult relationship"?

Signs of a "difficult relationship" can include frequent arguments, communication breakdowns, feelings of resentment, lack of trust, and consistent emotional distress. If you experience these, it may indicate a need to address the relationship's issues.

What can I say instead of "difficult relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "strained relationship", "challenging relationship", or "troubled relationship" depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

How can I improve a "difficult relationship"?

Improving a "difficult relationship" often involves open and honest communication, empathy, willingness to compromise, and sometimes professional help such as therapy or counseling. Addressing underlying issues and setting healthy boundaries are also essential.