a mounting difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mounting difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where challenges or problems are increasing over time. Example: "As the project progressed, we faced a mounting difficulty in meeting the deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other games, like Tetris, are built on a sense of mounting difficulty; they conjure it by limiting you to a certain quantity of space, which you must constantly clear of debris.

The New Yorker

The industry is in a state of generation overcapacity and mounting difficulty pushing through rate relief with public service commissions.

Forbes

Angelo Auricchio, the president of the 400-member Long Island chapter of the New York State Restaurant Association, said amnesty could be a boost for restaurant owners, who faced mounting difficulty finding workers.

The New York Times

After a successful start in early 1999, Brazil's policy regime had to manage mounting difficulties, including a sudden reversal of capital flows and its effects on the exchange rate and public debt, the contagion of Argentina's severe economic problems, a domestic energy crisis, and the political uncertainty of the 2002 presidential campaign.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Since the payload disturbances cannot be measured directly due to sensor mounting difficulties, an estimate is constructed based on the hexapod model and used for PFF.

Control Engineering Practice

Casimir's contemporaries did not give him much of a chance for overcoming the country's mounting difficulties or succeeding as a leader.

Wikipedia

The case could last for years, causing a political diversion at a time when the Philippines is struggling, against mounting difficulties, for stability and economic revival.

The New York Times

Rather it seems a ploy to divert attention from his mounting difficulties at home.

The Economist

The Cabinet minister is facing mounting difficulties, with the prospect of a sleaze inquiry into separate allegations about her House of Lords expenses claims, into which Labour are demanding a criminal investigation.

Independent

Valérie Marcel, an oil industry analyst at the Chatham House, a research institute in London, said Shell had faced mounting difficulties in Nigeria.

The New York Times

Having run short of hard-currency reserves, Ms Fernández's Argentina has begun to cut subsidies and make its peace with its foreign creditors, prompting Mr Forster and his friends to warn against a "conservative restoration".Mr Galeano's recantation and the mounting difficulties of radical populism are reminders that capitalism is the only route to development in Latin America.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mounting difficulty" to clearly indicate that a problem is not only present, but also increasing in intensity or scale over time. This is particularly effective when describing challenges in projects, relationships, or broader societal issues.

Common error

Avoid using "mounting" when you simply mean "large" or "significant". "Mounting" specifically refers to something that is increasing or accumulating over time. If the difficulty is not increasing, a different adjective is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mounting difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "mounting" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "difficulty". It describes a situation where the level of challenge or problem is increasing over time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a mounting difficulty" is a grammatically sound and descriptive way to express that a problem or challenge is increasing over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While examples are currently limited, understanding its function as a noun phrase and its neutral register allows for its effective use in various contexts, particularly when emphasizing the growing nature of an issue. When considering alternatives, options like "an increasing problem" or "a growing challenge" offer similar meanings with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing problem

Replaces "mounting" with "increasing" maintaining the core meaning of something growing over time. Slight reduction in intensity.

a growing challenge

Substitutes "difficulty" with "challenge", framing the situation as something to be overcome, not just a problem. Implies agency.

an escalating issue

Uses "escalating" to emphasize the rapid increase in severity of the issue, offering a more urgent tone.

a worsening situation

Focuses on the decline in circumstances, highlighting the negative progression of events.

a rising concern

Emphasizes the worry associated with the problem, shifting the focus to the emotional impact.

a snowballing problem

Implies that the difficulty is increasing rapidly and uncontrollably, like a snowball rolling down a hill.

an uphill battle

Changes the metaphor to a struggle against something resistant, suggesting a long and arduous effort.

a tough predicament

Shifts the focus to the difficult situation itself, rather than its increasing nature.

an emerging obstacle

Highlights the newness of the difficulty, emphasizing that it has recently appeared.

a developing crisis

Suggests a more severe and urgent situation than a simple difficulty, implying potential danger.

FAQs

How can I use "a mounting difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "a mounting difficulty" to describe situations where challenges are progressively increasing. For instance, "As the project progressed, we faced "a mounting difficulty" in meeting the deadlines".

What can I say instead of "a mounting difficulty"?

Alternatives include "an increasing problem", "a growing challenge", or "an escalating issue" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it better to say "mounting difficulties" or "increasing difficulties"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "mounting difficulties" often suggests a gradual accumulation of problems, whereas "increasing difficulties" simply emphasizes the growth in the level of challenge. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "a mounting difficulty" and "a major difficulty"?

"A mounting difficulty" refers to a problem that is growing or intensifying over time. "A major difficulty", on the other hand, simply describes a significant problem, without necessarily implying that it is increasing.