challenging environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that presents difficulties or is difficult to manage. For example, "Working in the fast-paced, challenging environment of quantitative finance was demanding but rewarding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Or maybe a more "challenging" environment, paper planes and all?

The Guardian

Distributed applications provide challenging environment in today's advancing technological world.

Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences

"[It was] a challenging environment, challenging times.

BBC

Such content could make Tumblr a challenging environment for advertisers.

The New York Times

We will assess Shell's performance in the Arctic's challenging environment".

The New York Times

Arizona could provide a more challenging environment for Mr. Romney.

The New York Times

He works in a challenging environment, facing opposition from the public as well as the state.

The Guardian

The project sounds complicated enough – so why stage it in such a challenging environment?

The Guardian

"It can be a challenging environment, shall we say, but that's good for a marketeer".

The New York Times

Or, perhaps, did they achieve in a challenging environment, facing additional barriers?

The Guardian - Sport

The mortgage business continued "to experience a challenging environment," Regions said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "challenging environment", be specific about the nature of the challenges. Instead of simply stating that an environment is challenging, detail the specific factors that make it so, such as limited resources, high competition, or complex regulations.

Common error

Avoid using "challenging environment" as a generic descriptor. Always provide context and specifics to illustrate what makes the environment challenging. For instance, instead of saying 'the project faced a challenging environment', specify 'the project faced a challenging environment due to tight deadlines and limited funding'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging environment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "challenging" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "environment". It describes a situation or setting characterized by difficulties or obstacles. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "challenging environment" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations marked by difficulty and complexity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various fields, including news, science, and business. To use the phrase effectively, be specific about the nature of the challenges and avoid generic descriptions. Alternatives like "demanding setting" or "difficult circumstances" can be used to add variety to your writing. Remember that using this phrase implies the need for adaptability and resilience to overcome the specified difficulties. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's versatility and appropriateness across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding setting

Replaces "challenging" with "demanding", focusing on the high requirements and expectations.

difficult circumstances

Shifts the focus to the conditions surrounding a situation, highlighting the hardship involved.

unfavorable conditions

Highlights the negative aspects of the conditions, suggesting hindrances and obstacles.

complex situation

Emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of the situation, implying difficulty in understanding and managing it.

testing conditions

Highlights the aspect of being tested or strained by the conditions, implying resilience is required.

intense atmosphere

Focuses on the high-pressure and emotionally charged nature of the surroundings.

arduous context

Replaces with a stronger emphasis on the difficulty and strenuousness of the situation.

formidable backdrop

Suggests a daunting or intimidating background against which events unfold.

rigorous framework

Focuses on the strict and demanding nature of the system or structure in place.

precarious landscape

Highlights the instability and risk associated with the situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "challenging environment" in a sentence?

To effectively use "challenging environment", provide specific details about the nature of the challenge. For example, 'The company thrived in a "highly competitive environment"' or 'The team overcame obstacles in a "resource-constrained environment"'.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "challenging environment"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "demanding setting", "difficult circumstances", or "complex situation".

Is it acceptable to use "challenging environment" in formal writing?

Yes, "challenging environment" is acceptable in formal writing. However, ensure that the challenges are clearly defined and relevant to the context. Be specific about what makes the environment challenging.

How does "challenging environment" differ from "difficult situation"?

"Challenging environment" typically refers to a broader context or setting, while "difficult situation" usually describes a specific event or problem. A "challenging environment" might contain many "difficult situations".