bumpy relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

"bumpy relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a relationship that is not going smoothly. For example: "My relationship with my sibling has been a bit bumpy lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Trump also touched on his bumpy relationship with various foreign leaders.

The Guardian

He lived with a longtime girlfriend in a bumpy relationship that ended, at least temporarily, in the spring.

The New York Times

Doyle has had a bumpy relationship with The Commitments, his story of working-class Dubliners forming an unlikely soul band.

The Guardian

Mr. Bloomberg's deep involvement in the battle may further strain his occasionally bumpy relationship with Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who is determined to oust the Republicans.

The New York Times

Wiggins received no congratulations from Chris Froome, the British rider who has won three Tours de France since 2013 and with whom he has a bumpy relationship, either.

The Guardian - Sport

As county attorney, he had a bumpy relationship with some members of the County Legislature, who felt he was more loyal to Mr. Gulotta than to them.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But even a cursory flick through Rooney's book will tell you how bumpy that relationship once was.

Independent

At the time, he denied that his occasionally bumpy and contentious relationship with Francesa contributed to his leaving.

The New York Times

Recovery also brings change, Kay says, and that can be a bumpy road in any relationship.

Vice

(Full disclosure--after his relocation to Arizona, he committed a number of other crimes and planned a particularly horrible one--the murder of me. But that is another story and i do believe Mr. Gravano and I have smoothed out that bumpy part in our relationship).

Huffington Post

Given all this stress, it should not be a surprise that the adviser-advisee relationship is often bumpy.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bumpy relationship" to describe a situation where the connection between people or entities faces frequent challenges and lacks smoothness. It is suitable for describing personal, professional, or even international relations.

Common error

Avoid using "bumpy relationship" to describe purely physical conditions, such as a rough road. While "bumpy" can describe physical surfaces, "bumpy relationship" specifically refers to interpersonal or inter-entity dynamics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bumpy relationship" functions as a descriptive term, specifically an adjective modifying the noun "relationship". It indicates that the relationship in question is experiencing difficulties or instability. As shown by Ludwig, this is very common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bumpy relationship" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that effectively describes relationships marked by challenges and difficulties. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for various contexts, from personal dynamics to international affairs. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the specific situation and audience when choosing this phrase. Alternatives like "troubled relationship" or "difficult relationship" may be more suitable in certain formal settings. Remember to avoid using it to describe purely physical conditions. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use "bumpy relationship" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

troubled relationship

Emphasizes the problems and distress within the relationship.

difficult relationship

Focuses on the challenges and obstacles faced in the relationship.

strained relationship

Highlights the tension and pressure affecting the relationship.

rocky relationship

Suggests instability and potential for conflict.

stormy relationship

Implies frequent arguments and emotional outbursts.

contentious relationship

Highlights a tendency towards disagreement and dispute.

uneasy relationship

Suggests discomfort and a lack of trust or harmony.

tumultuous relationship

Implies a chaotic and emotionally charged dynamic.

fragile relationship

Highlights the vulnerability and risk of the relationship breaking down.

strained relations

This phrase changes the word relationship for relations, slightly changing the meaning

FAQs

What does "bumpy relationship" mean?

A "bumpy relationship" refers to a relationship characterized by difficulties, challenges, and a lack of smoothness or harmony.

What can I say instead of "bumpy relationship"?

You can use alternatives like "troubled relationship", "difficult relationship", or "strained relationship" depending on the specific context.

Is "bumpy relationship" formal or informal?

"Bumpy relationship" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in professional settings.

How do I use "bumpy relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "bumpy relationship" to describe the state of affairs between two or more parties. For example, "Their professional relationship has been a bit bumpy due to disagreements over project direction."