an extremely challenging issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an extremely challenging issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a problem or situation that is particularly difficult to address or resolve. Example: "The team is currently facing an extremely challenging issue regarding the project's timeline and budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, it is an extremely challenging issue.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, throughput analysis of wireless networks is an extremely challenging research topic.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

As a result, it becomes an extremely challenging task to maintain stable network.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"This has been an extremely challenging situation for the Football League, given the level of debt, the length of the administration and the issues surrounding the ownership of Fratton Park.

BBC

"This is an extremely challenging insect.

The New York Times

"However, despite the best efforts of staff, Feltham A remains an extremely challenging environment with extremely challenging children.

The Guardian

"Financial services faces an extremely challenging operating environment," he said.

The New York Times

However, this is an extremely challenging time, in health and social care".

The Guardian

When Liam Fox became defence secretary in May 2010, he inherited an extremely challenging brief.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That's an extremely challenging task, even for a skilled negotiator".

The New York Times

I'd like to offer you a job in an extremely challenging and rewarding field.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "an extremely challenging issue" to introduce a significant problem or situation that requires careful consideration and strategic solutions. It is suitable for formal and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid overuse of intensifiers like "extremely". While "an extremely challenging issue" is acceptable, consider whether a simpler term like "challenging issue" or a more specific adjective would be more effective. Overuse can dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an extremely challenging issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a problem or situation characterized by a high degree of difficulty. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an extremely challenging issue" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a problem or situation of significant difficulty. According to Ludwig, it finds use across various contexts, including science, news, and business, though predominantly in professional or neutral registers. While synonyms exist to subtly shift emphasis, this phrase effectively conveys the need for careful consideration and strategic solutions. When using, be mindful of overusing intensifiers and consider whether a more specific descriptor might be more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very difficult problem

Replaces "extremely challenging" with "very difficult", focusing on the difficulty aspect.

a particularly tough task

Substitutes "issue" with "task" and "extremely challenging" with "particularly tough", emphasizing the effort required.

a highly complex matter

Replaces "challenging" with "complex" and "issue" with "matter", highlighting the intricate nature of the situation.

a formidably difficult situation

Uses "formidably difficult" to intensify the level of challenge and replaces "issue" with "situation".

a severely problematic area

Focuses on the problematic aspect and replaces "challenging" with "problematic" and "issue" with "area".

a daunting obstacle

Shifts the focus to an obstacle that inspires fear or discouragement, using "daunting" to convey the intensity.

a monumental undertaking

Emphasizes the size and significance of the task, suggesting it requires considerable effort and resources.

a Herculean effort

Alludes to the mythical hero Hercules to convey that the task requires immense strength and effort.

a tough nut to crack

Uses an idiom to describe a problem that is difficult to solve.

a Gordian knot

Refers to a complex problem solvable only by bold action, emphasizing the intricate nature of the challenge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an extremely challenging issue" to sound less formal?

For less formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "a really tough problem", "a super hard thing", or "a major headache". The choice depends on the specific context and audience.

What's the difference between "challenging issue" and "an extremely challenging issue"?

The addition of "extremely" intensifies the difficulty of the issue. While "challenging issue" indicates a problem that requires effort, "an extremely challenging issue" suggests a problem that is particularly difficult to resolve.

Is it appropriate to use "an extremely challenging issue" in academic writing?

Yes, "an extremely challenging issue" is appropriate for academic writing. It clearly conveys the significant difficulty of a problem or topic under discussion. However, ensure that your writing remains concise and avoids unnecessary intensifiers.

What are some synonyms for "extremely challenging" that I can use?

Synonyms for "extremely challenging" include "very difficult", "highly complex", "particularly tough", "daunting", and "formidable". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.