challenging relationship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "challenging relationship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a relationship that is difficult or requires significant effort to maintain, often due to conflicts or misunderstandings. Example: "Despite their love for each other, they often found themselves in a challenging relationship, filled with arguments and emotional turmoil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"I want a good, challenging relationship with the press," he said.

The Guardian

When you have an author and an auteur, it's a difficult and challenging relationship.

Independent

11.57am: Hogan-Howe finishes by reiterating the importance of a good relationship with journalists "I do want a good open challenging relationship with the press," he adds.

The Guardian

Though the press materials promise that the play "explores the challenging relationship" between Sam and Natalie, only rarely does real tension arise.

The New York Times

The review finishes by returning to the live event, where RedBirdFlies doesn't quite get the chance to ask if a challenging relationship, such as Solnit describes, can also be a gift.

The Guardian - Books

If neither Guardiola nor Rodgers is available, City could turn to Carlo Ancelotti, whose challenging relationship with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has always made a return to England possible and who has a personal attachment to Britain – albeit London.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We are challenging relationships taken for granted and stimulating ideas for different ways of organising society.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The kids we see who can maintain positive changes, it's because they have figured out how to build healthy relationships, and they have figured out how to navigate challenging relationships with healthy boundaries," continued Gitin.

Vice

So far, this challenged relationship has not affected his bottom line: he is still, by some margin, the most listened-to radio host in the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should be noted, however, that even by current standards of the rich, white, middle-aged men-with-power demographic, Limbaugh has had an unusually challenged relationship with the female community.

The Guardian - Opinion

These findings challenge relationship between clinical entity of PAH and that of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD).

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "challenging relationship" to introduce a discussion about growth or resilience. The phrase implies difficulty, but it can also suggest an opportunity for personal development.

Common error

Don't use "challenging relationship" as a euphemism for abusive or toxic behaviors. If the relationship involves harm or manipulation, more direct and accurate language is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "challenging relationship" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "challenging" modifies the noun "relationship". Ludwig indicates that this phrase is used to describe a connection that presents difficulties or requires considerable effort to maintain. This aligns with its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "challenging relationship" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to depict connections marked by difficulty or the need for substantial effort. As confirmed by Ludwig, its application spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide specifics about the challenges involved rather than using it as a vague term. However, avoid using it as a replacement for abusive dynamics. Related terms like "difficult relationship" or "complicated relationship" can offer similar meanings, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult relationship

Emphasizes the presence of obstacles and hardships within the relationship.

complicated relationship

Highlights the intricate and often confusing nature of the connection.

problematic relationship

Suggests the presence of specific issues or conflicts causing concern.

strained relationship

Focuses on the tension and lack of ease between the individuals involved.

tenuous relationship

Indicates a fragile and unstable connection, easily disrupted.

tumultuous relationship

Highlights the chaotic and emotionally intense nature of the bond.

demanding relationship

Stresses the high level of effort and commitment required to maintain it.

testing relationship

Implies that the relationship is being subjected to significant trials and difficulties.

stressful relationship

Focuses on the anxiety and pressure caused by the relationship dynamics.

troubled relationship

Indicates that the relationship is experiencing significant difficulties and unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "challenging relationship" in a sentence?

You can use "challenging relationship" to describe any interpersonal connection that involves significant difficulties or requires considerable effort. For example, "Despite their differences, they maintained a "challenging relationship" for many years."

What are some alternatives to "challenging relationship"?

Depending on the context, you could use "difficult relationship", "complicated relationship", or "problematic relationship".

Is it appropriate to use "challenging relationship" in a formal setting?

Yes, "challenging relationship" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal settings, ensure that you provide sufficient context and detail to clarify the nature of the challenges.

What's the difference between "challenging relationship" and "toxic relationship"?

A "challenging relationship" implies difficulties and effort, while a "toxic relationship" indicates a harmful and damaging dynamic that negatively impacts the well-being of those involved. A "challenging relationship" may have moments of difficulty, but a toxic one is consistently destructive.