an ongoing difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ongoing difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or challenge that is persistent and continues over time. Example: "The team is facing an ongoing difficulty in meeting project deadlines due to resource constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There is an ongoing difficulty that, while huge amounts of clothing have been collected, the one thing that people don't donate secondhand is underwear, especially thermals.

The Guardian

Recruitment and retention of health professionals of all ages has proved an ongoing difficulty in rural areas.

BMC Health Services Research

63 This resonates with the Look AHEAD weight-loss trial, where potential CV benefits in the intervention group may have been masked by efficient treatment of other risk factors in the control group, and highlights an ongoing difficulty with the design of CV outcome trials.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

An ongoing difficulty is the flow of illegal immigrants from Albania.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Though Sinn Fein says the IRA was not involved, the crime may point to the ongoing difficulty of adjusting a movement built for and by conflict to the post-agreement reality.There is one big and collective reason for disappointment.

The Economist

This group of Canadian housing experts observed structural forms of discrimination that were compounded by poverty and mental illness within the context of an ongoing pervasive difficulty in accessing adequate housing.

BMJ Open

The ongoing difficulty in educating and sustaining an adequate nursing workforce in mental health settings has been identified throughout the world.

Nurse Education Today

Later, at a press conference, he acknowledged the O.P.C.W.'s ongoing difficulty with enforcing the convention in Syria.

The New Yorker

It reflects the ongoing difficulty we have with people who don't understand the nature of the energy system.

The New York Times

The company lowered its guidance on produced coal shipments for 2011 "due to ongoing difficulty of operating certain mines under new regulatory requirements".

The New York Times

As easy as it is to make fun of modern feminist terms such as intersectionality and "check your privilege", they merely reflect this ongoing difficulty in reconciling the different needs of two groups, both subjugated, but in different, painful ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an ongoing difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature and scope of the problem being described. Provide specific details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "an ongoing difficulty" without providing sufficient context. Readers may not understand the specific nature of the problem if it is not clearly defined.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ongoing difficulty" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'ongoing' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'difficulty'. It describes a problem or challenge that is continuous. Ludwig AI shows this phrase is used to identify persistent issues in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an ongoing difficulty" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as supported by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase to describe a persistent problem. Although not very common, it is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. Related phrases include "a persistent challenge" and "a continuing problem". When using this phrase, ensure to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a persistent challenge

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the challenge.

a continuing problem

Highlights the uninterrupted nature of the issue.

a recurring obstacle

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the impediment.

a sustained impediment

Underscores the continuous hindering effect.

a chronic issue

Suggests a long-term and potentially worsening problem.

a prolonged struggle

Highlights the extended effort required to overcome the problem.

a constant setback

Emphasizes the frequent delays or impediments.

a perennial problem

Indicates a problem that occurs regularly and repeatedly.

a lasting tribulation

Highlights the enduring and troublesome nature of the difficulty.

an unremitting hardship

Emphasizes the relentless and severe nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

What does "an ongoing difficulty" mean?

The phrase "an ongoing difficulty" refers to a problem or challenge that is persistent and continues to exist or occur over time.

How can I use "an ongoing difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "an ongoing difficulty" to describe a situation where a problem is not easily resolved and persists. For example, "The company is facing "an ongoing difficulty" in attracting qualified employees."

What are some alternatives to "an ongoing difficulty"?

Alternatives include "a persistent challenge", "a continuing problem", or "a recurring obstacle".

Is it better to say "ongoing challenge" or "ongoing difficulty"?

Both "ongoing challenge" and "ongoing difficulty" are acceptable. "Challenge" can sometimes imply an opportunity for growth, while "difficulty" tends to focus more on the problematic aspect. Choose the word that best fits the context.