a difficult industry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult industry" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing challenges or complexities associated with a particular field or sector. Example: "The tech sector is known for being a difficult industry to break into, especially for newcomers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The upbeat attitude is, in part, a product of being in such a difficult industry.

The New York Times

It's a difficult industry, where consumers are usually better off than cooks.

Harvard Business Review

His energetic stewardship could be just what's needed at a time of corporate transition for the label, in a difficult industry climate.

The New York Times

It's still early, but his energetic stewardship could be just what's needed at a time of corporate transition for the label, in a difficult industry climate.

The New York Times - Arts

Prof Clive Roberts, director of the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education, says it is a difficult industry for many to break into.

The Guardian

What REM have left is a legacy, of both music and of how a band should comport itself, one you see replicated whenever a band with principles crosses over to a mass audience: Radiohead, for example, might consider how much they owe to REM. "We did a remarkable job of maintaining integrity throughout a very difficult period and in a difficult industry," Stipe says.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

With two huge new shows under her watch, the Tony winner is blazing a path through a notoriously difficult industry.

Forbes

"It was a very solid performance in a very difficult industry and operating environment," said Kevin McCarthy, an analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston.

The New York Times

1. It's a very difficult industry to operate within that has an innumerable amount of competitors.

Forbes

"They have an elite management group that's been successful in a very difficult industry," said Art Cecil, investment analyst at T. Rowe Price Associates.

The New York Times

The hospitality industry is a notoriously difficult industry to survive in.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an industry's challenges, be specific about the nature of the difficulty. For example, instead of saying “a difficult industry”, specify if the difficulty stems from “high competition”, “stringent regulations”, or “rapid technological change”.

Common error

Avoid using "a difficult industry" without providing context. This phrase can be vague. Instead, clarify what makes the industry difficult, such as "a difficult industry due to economic downturns" or "a difficult industry to regulate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult industry" functions as a descriptive term, typically acting as a subject complement or an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult industry" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe sectors facing significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, as well as formal business settings, it serves to highlight complexities, obstacles, and unfavorable conditions. To enhance clarity, it's best to specify the nature of the difficulty, rather than leaving it as a vague generalization. Alternatives such as "a challenging sector" or "a tough business environment" can offer nuanced ways to express similar ideas, while maintaining a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging sector

Replaces "industry" with "sector" and "difficult" with "challenging", softening the negative connotation slightly.

a tough business environment

Focuses on the "business environment" aspect of an industry, implying broader economic difficulties.

a problematic market

Highlights the "market" aspect, suggesting issues related to sales, competition, or consumer behavior.

a complex field

Emphasizes the "complexity" of the industry, rather than its difficulties.

a demanding area

Shifts the focus to the high demands and pressures within the industry.

a competitive landscape

Highlights the intense competition and challenges within the industry.

an unstable sector

Suggests volatility and lack of security within the industry.

a struggling trade

Emphasizes the economic struggles and potential decline of the industry.

an ailing market

Implies the industry is in poor health and requires intervention.

a crisis-ridden sector

Highlights the presence of multiple crises and challenges within the industry.

FAQs

How can I use "a difficult industry" in a sentence?

You can use "a difficult industry" to describe a sector facing significant challenges. For example, "The automotive industry is currently "a difficult industry" due to supply chain disruptions and changing consumer preferences."

What are some alternatives to saying "a difficult industry"?

Alternatives include "a challenging sector", "a tough business environment", or "a problematic market", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a difficult industry"?

While "a difficult industry" usually implies challenges, it can also highlight resilience and innovation. It's important to provide context to clarify whether the difficulty is a barrier or a catalyst for positive change.

What factors typically contribute to an industry being "a difficult industry"?

Factors can include economic downturns, technological disruptions, regulatory hurdles, high competition, changing consumer behavior, and global events. Specifying these factors provides a clearer understanding of the industry's challenges.