a bumpy year

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bumpy year" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a year that has been filled with difficulties, challenges, or unexpected events. Example: "After experiencing a bumpy year filled with setbacks, we are hopeful for a more stable and successful year ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

It has been a bumpy year for Barnes & Noble, the country's largest book chain, with 720 stores.

The New York Times

Navistar has had a bumpy year, with its net income swinging from a loss for the first three months of 2011 to moderate profits.

The New York Times

Vizquel also had a bumpy year at age 36, in 2003, when two knee operations cost him most of the season.

The New York Times - Sports

Lego has had a bumpy year — it ousted its chief executive in August and the following month posted the first sales decline in more than a decade.

The Washington Post

This may help to explain why the prevailing view in Davos was that, at best, 2016 will be a bumpy year marked by modest growth and market turbulence.

The Guardian - Business

Another Baptist campus, Louisiana College, has had a bumpy year after the president, in what was seen as an anti-Calvinist move, declined to renew the contracts of three faculty members.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

His former spokesman, MP George Eustice, who this year joined the executive of the backbench 1922 committee, said Mr Cameron had had a "very bumpy year".

BBC

Netflix has had an extremely bumpy year to say the least.

TechCrunch

We are dedicated to that, and I think Secretary Kerry's efforts at securing peace over the course of a long and bumpy year speak to our commitment to working through a negotiations process to try to ensure that the Palestinians get what they have long sought, which is a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.

Huffington Post

Prices have already gone up and a few distilleries hinted that there could be a few bumpy years ahead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After a couple bumpy years in the late aughts that saw her stock in music and films fall, Lopez tried her hand as an "Idol" judge.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a bumpy year", provide context. Briefly mention the specific challenges or events that made the year difficult. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that it was "a bumpy year" without providing any details. Readers may not understand the specific issues you are referring to, diminishing the impact of your statement. Be specific about what made the year challenging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bumpy year" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "year". It is used to describe the characteristics of a specific year, indicating it was filled with difficulties or unexpected problems, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a bumpy year" is a correct and usable expression to describe a year filled with difficulties and challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While not overly formal, it's suitable for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specific context about the challenges faced. Alternatives include "a difficult year" or "a turbulent year", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "a bumpy year" is an effective way to communicate that a particular year was not easy, but providing context will significantly enhance the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a difficult year

Focuses directly on the challenges and hardships experienced during the year.

a challenging year

Emphasizes the demanding nature of the year and the need for effort to overcome obstacles.

a turbulent year

Highlights the instability and disorder that characterized the year.

a rough year

Suggests a harsh and unpleasant experience throughout the year.

a hard year

Highlights the effort and struggle required during the year.

an unstable year

Highlights the lack of predictability and security during the year.

a trying year

Focuses on the stressful and testing nature of the year.

a problematic year

Emphasizes the issues and troubles that arose during the year.

a testing year

Suggests that the year presented significant trials and challenges to overcome.

an eventful year

Indicates that the year was full of significant occurrences, not necessarily negative.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe something as "a bumpy year"?

Saying it was "a bumpy year" suggests the period was filled with challenges, setbacks, and unexpected difficulties.

How can I use "a bumpy year" in a sentence?

You might say, "Despite "a bumpy year", the company managed to achieve significant growth" or "After "a bumpy year", we are looking forward to a period of stability".

What are some alternatives to saying "a bumpy year"?

Consider using phrases like "a difficult year", "a challenging year", or "a turbulent year" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bumpy year" in formal writing?

While widely understood, the phrase "a bumpy year" is generally considered more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise and descriptive language to specify the nature of the difficulties encountered.