an underlying challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an underlying challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a fundamental or hidden difficulty that may not be immediately apparent. Example: "In our project, we must address an underlying challenge that could affect our overall success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But there is an underlying challenge to the dominant paradigms that inform how we go about our daily lives.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thus, an important underlying challenge is the production of high-performance and robust protein capture agents at low cost.

Genome Medicine

This was a special underlying challenge we have experienced when implementing this approach.

Journal of Software Engineering Research and Development

"We understand the company's investment in marketing approach but do not believe it solves the company's underlying challenge, which is building a more compelling product that virally attracts users," PiperJaffray analysts wrote in a note.

The Guardian - Tech

The inclination to avert such an outcome with facile talk about the U.S. federal government turning to "socialism" may be an enticing rhetorical device, but it is not a constructive way to deal with the underlying challenge, which is both human — and very real.

The New York Times

The underlying challenge, however, is to address the innovation deficit.

The Economist

The underlying challenge has been to conserve the past without stultifying the present.

Independent

Correctly identifying real risk, as opposed to imagined risk, is the underlying challenge for everyone in the country.

The New York Times

"The underlying challenge is — 'Do you trust the insurance companies?' " said Mike Davis, a health technology analyst with the HIMSS Analytics consulting firm.

The New York Times

The underlying challenge is to convince people that the threats are real and life-changing, and that there is something that can be done to change our predicament.

The Guardian

"Obama... has been consistent in his analysis of Israel's underlying challenge: If it doesn't disentangle itself from the lives of West Bank Palestinians, the world will one day decide it is behaving as an apartheid state".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an underlying challenge", ensure you clearly articulate what aspects of the situation make it challenging. Provide specific details rather than general statements.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the immediate effects or symptoms. Dig deeper to identify and address the "underlying challenge" to create sustainable solutions. Don't just treat the symptoms; cure the disease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an underlying challenge" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a fundamental or non-obvious difficulty. It introduces a problem that needs to be addressed to achieve a desired outcome. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an underlying challenge" is a useful way to identify a core problem that may not be immediately obvious. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across a variety of contexts, including news, science, and business. To effectively use the phrase, focus on clearly articulating what makes the situation challenging and avoid overlooking surface-level symptoms. Consider using alternatives such as "a fundamental problem" or "a core issue" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fundamental problem

Focuses on the core issue rather than the difficulty in addressing it.

a basic difficulty

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the obstacle.

a core issue

Highlights the central importance of the problem.

a latent obstacle

Stresses the hidden or not immediately obvious nature of the challenge.

a concealed hurdle

Implies the difficulty is not easily visible or recognized.

a deep-seated issue

Indicates a long-standing and firmly established problem.

an intrinsic complication

Highlights that the difficulty is inherent and inseparable from the situation.

a subtle impediment

Suggests a challenge that is delicate and may not be immediately apparent.

a primary concern

Emphasizes the importance of the challenge as a main point of worry.

a root cause

Focuses on the fundamental reason behind a problem, rather than the difficulty itself.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an underlying challenge" in a sentence?

Use "an underlying challenge" to introduce a core problem that isn't immediately obvious but significantly affects a situation. For example, "An underlying challenge in this project is the lack of clear communication between teams".

What are some alternatives to "an underlying challenge"?

You can use alternatives like "a fundamental problem", "a core issue", or "a latent obstacle" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "underlying challenge" or "fundamental challenge"?

Both phrases are valid, but "underlying challenge" suggests the problem is not immediately apparent, while "fundamental challenge" emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the difficulty.

How do I identify the "underlying challenge" in a complex situation?

Look beyond the surface symptoms and consider the root causes. Ask "why" repeatedly to drill down to the core issue. Analyze data, consult with stakeholders, and consider multiple perspectives to uncover the "underlying challenge".