challenging at best

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging at best" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is difficult or problematic, but acknowledges that it could be worse. Example: "The project timeline is tight, and the resources are limited; completing it on time will be challenging at best."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Yet they have since found that defining a face covering and enforcing the law are challenging, at best.

The New York Times

I wanted to evolve into doing general entertainment coverage, but that part of my career has been challenging at best.

The New York Times

But cultural conflicts and varying tax and accounting rules make any intra-Europe mergers challenging at best.

The New York Times

However, these binaries offer an extremely rich dynamical environment whose accurate investigation through analytical approaches is challenging at best and requires a significant number of restrictive assumptions.

Advances in Space Research

In order to meet these patient outcomes, multidisciplinary care pathways must be designed, implemented, and sustained, a process that is challenging at best.

Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

So when the founders of LivePlanet, a new entertainment-related Internet company based in Los Angeles, went to Silicon Valley seeking financing last month, their task was challenging at best.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

That would be challenging at the best of times and these are far from the best of times.

The Guardian

Crewing an ambulance is challenging at the best of times.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Whatever the excuse, this is a pretty impressive summit meeting of jazz saxophone talent: learned, sweepingly comprehensive, extremely challenging at their best.

The New York Times

So, if you're a student and not looking forward to the holiday, here's exactly why you should: 1) You no longer have to pay for your own food   Student budgeting is challenging at the best of times, and then throw food shopping into the mix.

Independent

Soccer is challenging at the best of times, and Rosell said on Spanish television Tuesday that the club was in the process of making the tough calls on which players to buy and which players to let go to continue its cycle of success.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenging at best" to express a situation that presents significant difficulties, but where a positive outcome is still within the realm of possibility. This nuance avoids overly negative or pessimistic framing while still acknowledging the hurdles.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging at best" when the situation is clearly hopeless or destined to fail. The phrase implies a sliver of possibility, so reserve it for scenarios where some degree of success, however limited, remains achievable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging at best" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or situation. It serves to qualify the degree of difficulty, suggesting that even under the most favorable conditions, the subject remains difficult. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "challenging at best" serves as a useful tool for expressing a qualified assessment of difficulty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's both grammatically sound and widely employed across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to science and business. The analysis reveals that while it acknowledges significant hurdles, it also leaves room for a sliver of optimism, differentiating it from more definitive terms like "impossible". When using "challenging at best", remember to employ it in situations where some degree of success, however limited, remains conceivable, and to consider alternatives like "difficult at best" or "tricky at best" to refine the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult under ideal circumstances

This alternative emphasizes the inherent difficulty, even when conditions are favorable.

problematic under the most favorable conditions

This phrase highlights the presence of problems, even in the best scenarios.

optimistically, a struggle

This option presents the situation as a struggle from an optimistic perspective.

an uphill battle even when things align

This alternative uses the metaphor of an uphill battle to convey the difficulty.

a tough proposition in the most advantageous scenario

This phrase describes the situation as a tough proposition, even in the best case.

hard pressed even with luck on our side

This suggests difficulty even when fortune favors the actors.

a stretch even if everything goes right

Implies reaching a goal is unlikely or difficult, even with perfect conditions.

not easy, to put it mildly

A more understated expression, indicating something is far from easy.

a demanding task even given the most favorable circumstances

Highlights the demanding nature of the task, regardless of conditions.

ambitious even with maximum support

This alternative focuses on the ambition of the task, even with substantial backing.

FAQs

How can I use "challenging at best" in a sentence?

You can use "challenging at best" to describe a situation that is difficult but not entirely impossible. For example, "Completing the project on time will be "challenging at best", given the limited resources."

What are some alternatives to "challenging at best"?

Alternatives to "challenging at best" include phrases like "difficult at best", "tricky at best", or "problematic at best", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "challenging at best" in formal writing?

Yes, "challenging at best" is suitable for formal writing. It strikes a balance between acknowledging difficulty and maintaining a professional tone. It is commonly found in news, academic papers, and business reports.

What's the difference between "challenging at best" and "impossible"?

"Challenging at best" suggests that success is difficult but conceivable, while "impossible" indicates that success is not achievable under any circumstances. The former leaves room for optimism, however slight, while the latter does not.