a wave of difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming series of challenges or problems that someone is facing. Example: "After the unexpected layoffs, the company was hit by a wave of difficulties that affected its operations and morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, it marked the beginning of a new wave of difficulty, and this is where she begins to get angry.

The Guardian

Amid a wave of stories about the difficulties of the city's creative class, an online documentary series offers a few tales of success, or at least some guiding principles.

The New York Times

"If an F-16 sale moves forward, I think we can expect another wave of difficulties between the U.S. and China," said Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a professor of international studies at Hong Kong Baptist University.

The New York Times

Even with the network's operatives in Pakistan under siege, Al Qaeda's wings in Yemen and North Africa have had little difficulty continuing a wave of violence.

The New York Times

Even with the network's operatives in Pakistan under siege, Al Qaeda's wings in Yemen, North Africa and even Iraq have had little difficulty sustaining a wave of violence, a trend that is likely to continue well after Mr. Libi's death, officials said.

The New York Times

In country after country, Latin America is experiencing a wave of exhumations, reflecting not only the difficulty some political figures have finding serenity in the afterlife, but also the region's willingness to resurrect unresolved questions and quarrels over its history, even if it literally involves digging up the past.

The New York Times

With construction of a wave of new nuclear power stations running into difficulties, it would probably mean more of our power coming from fossil fuels such as gas.

BBC

His presidency rode a wave of tremendous global goodwill but was not without its difficulties.

The Guardian

Rousseff has remained towards the top of the polls despite difficulties kickstarting the economy and a wave of countrywide protests last year that at their peak brought more than a million Brazilians onto the streets.

Vice

The introduction of similar legislation in Ireland triggered a wave of closures of shops and online outlets, although few prosecutions have followed due to difficulties proving in Irish law whether a substance is psychoactive.

The Guardian

A wave of property privatisation in the late 1990s passed the area by because of the difficulty of dealing with the shared facilities.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of difficulties" to describe a sudden and overwhelming series of challenges or problems. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the impact and intensity of the issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a wave of difficulties" to describe minor or isolated problems. This phrase is best reserved for situations where the challenges are significant and occur in rapid succession.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It describes a specific period characterized by numerous problems. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a wave of difficulties" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a sudden and overwhelming series of challenges or problems. While Ludwig indicates its usability, the lack of exact examples suggests it may not be as common as other similar phrases. Its function is to inform about challenging circumstances, and it suits neutral registers. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "a series of setbacks" or "a flood of challenges". Remember to reserve it for significant problems occurring in rapid succession to maintain accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flood of challenges

Highlights the overwhelming quantity of difficulties.

a barrage of problems

Emphasizes the forceful and relentless nature of the difficulties.

a cascade of issues

Highlights the interconnected and escalating nature of the problems.

a series of setbacks

Focuses on the sequential nature of the problems rather than their overwhelming quantity.

an outbreak of complications

Emphasizes the unexpected and sudden emergence of difficulties.

a spate of troubles

Indicates a sudden and concentrated occurrence of negative events.

a storm of hardships

Uses a metaphorical comparison to a storm to represent severe difficulties.

a succession of crises

Highlights the continuous and escalating nature of the difficulties.

a mountain of obstacles

Focuses on the imposing and seemingly insurmountable nature of the difficulties.

a period of adversity

Refers to a time marked by misfortune and hardship, providing a broader perspective.

FAQs

What does "a wave of difficulties" mean?

The phrase "a wave of difficulties" refers to a sudden and overwhelming series of challenges or problems that someone or something is facing. It suggests a period of intense hardship and escalating issues.

What can I say instead of "a wave of difficulties"?

You can use alternatives like "a series of setbacks", "a flood of challenges", or "a barrage of problems" depending on the context.

Is "a wave of difficulties" formal or informal?

The phrase "a wave of difficulties" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the severity of the situation being described than the setting.

How can I use "a wave of difficulties" in a sentence?

You can use "a wave of difficulties" to describe a period of intense problems, such as: "After the merger, the company faced "a wave of difficulties" related to integration and restructuring."