The phrase "a steeper than expected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that is more difficult or challenging than anticipated, often in contexts like finance, learning curves, or physical challenges.
Example: "The learning curve for this new software has proven to be a steeper than expected challenge for the team."
Alternatives: "more challenging than anticipated" or "greater than expected difficulty".
Since then, the data revisions and a steeper than expected slump in investment suggest that 2% might be closer to the mark.
LONDON, Feb. 7 (AP) — GlaxoSmithKline reported a steeper than expected 10percentt decline in fourth-quarter profit on Thursday and forecast an earnings decline in 2008 because of generic competition and weaker sales of its diabetes pill.
Complicating factors for the U.S. government, the Treasury Department typically issues a large number of tax refunds in February and March, which could lead to a steeper than expected fall in cash reserves.
Swiss bank UBS is also down, after launching its rights issue at a steeper than expected discount.
Swedish telecom giant LM Ericsson said profits fell by a steeper than expected 56% because of ongoing losses at its handset- and chipmaking joint ventures with Sony and STMicroelectronics.
Fortune Brands warned last month that quarterly earnings from continuing operations would probably decline at a steeper than expected percentage rate in the high teens to mid-20s, due in part to an unexpected Australian tax increase on ready-to-drink spirits products.
The more homes are on the market, the less chance that prices will stabilise.The announcement on July 8th of a steeper-than expected 4.7% drop in pending home sales in May dashed any hopes of a quick turnaround.
Builder KB Home slumped 4.2% Friday thanks to a third-quarter loss of 87 cents a share, steeper than expected.
Builder KB Home was off $1.22, or 6.6%, to $17.32, thanks to a third-quarter loss of 87 cents a share, steeper than expected.
Although it raised its estimate for earnings last year to $18 billion from an earlier estimate of $16 billion, the forecast of an even steeper than expected fall in airline profitability makes a gloomy backdrop for the 49th Paris air show at Le Bourget airfield this week.
You have become a Saturday night special, a destination for weekenders and anniversary celebrators; the fall-off from the summer is not a surprise, just steeper than expected.
