a difficult result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a difficult result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing outcomes or findings that are challenging to interpret, understand, or accept. Example: "The experiment yielded a difficult result that required further analysis to comprehend its implications."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

One-nil is always a difficult result to manage.

The Guardian - Sport

Coming back after a difficult result at Liverpool.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a difficult result for us but we have to look at the bigger picture of qualification.

The Guardian - Sport

Asked if he had endured difficult a week, he said: "Off the back of a difficult result, yes, very.

Independent

In other words, it seems that despite extensive tests on animals and human-cell cultures, and despite the fact that the doses in the human trial were only a five-hundredth of those given to the animals, TGN1412 is toxic in people in a way that simply had not shown up.This is a difficult result for the drug business because it raises questions about the right way of testing medicines of this kind.

The Economist

It was a difficult result to take after looking at our performance".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We are in a difficult period results-wise but we will fight to get ourselves out of it by doing what we believe in.

The Guardian - Sport

However, attempts to aggregate results from these studies have been difficult, resulting from a significant variability in the implementation and reporting of methods.

Journal of Biomedical Informatics

However, infection of primary cells such as CD4 T lymphocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages is much more difficult, resulting in a very small percentage of infected cells.

Virology

Otto died in 1002 and Bolesław's relationship with his successor Henry II turned out to be much more difficult, resulting in a series of wars (1002 1005, 1007 1013, 1015 1018).

Wikipedia

The reduction of partial pressure gradients makes gas exchange more difficult, resulting in a long-term chronic insufficiency in the oxygenated blood circulation.

Heart

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing research findings, use "a difficult result" to convey that the outcome requires careful interpretation or further investigation.

Common error

Avoid assuming "a difficult result" automatically means a failed or negative outcome. It often signifies an outcome that challenges existing understanding or requires more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a difficult result" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" is an adjective modifying the noun "result". It describes the nature or quality of the result, indicating it presents challenges or complexities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a difficult result" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that describes an outcome that is challenging to understand, interpret, or manage. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While the phrase implies a problematic nature, it doesn't necessarily mean the result is negative, but rather requires careful consideration. Alternatives include "a challenging outcome" or "an unfavorable result", depending on the intended nuance. When using the phrase, avoid misinterpreting it as a completely negative outcome; instead, recognize it as an outcome needing further analysis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a challenging outcome

Replaces "result" with "outcome", emphasizing the process and its conclusion.

a tough outcome

Uses "tough" as a synonym for "difficult", providing a slightly more informal tone.

a problematic consequence

Substitutes "difficult" with "problematic" and "result" with "consequence", highlighting the troublesome aspect of the outcome.

an unfavorable result

Replaces "difficult" with "unfavorable", focusing on the negative aspect of the outcome.

a trying result

Emphasizes the testing or straining nature of the result.

a disappointing outcome

Focuses on the feeling of disappointment associated with the result.

a complex outcome

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", highlighting the intricacy of the result.

a complicated result

Similar to 'complex outcome', but with a slightly different nuance

an arduous result

Implies the result was achieved through great effort or struggle.

a demanding result

Suggests the result requires significant effort or attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a difficult result" to describe situations where the outcome is challenging to interpret or manage. For example: "One-nil is always "a difficult result" to manage."

What's the difference between "a difficult result" and "a challenging outcome"?

While similar, "a difficult result" focuses more on the problematic nature of the outcome itself, whereas "a challenging outcome" emphasizes the demanding nature of the process leading to that outcome.

What can I say instead of "a difficult result"?

You can use alternatives like "a challenging outcome", "a problematic consequence", or "an unfavorable result" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a difficult result"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe an outcome that is not easily understood, presents unexpected challenges, or requires further analysis. This can apply to various contexts, such as scientific experiments, sports matches, or personal situations.