clashing priorities

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clashing priorities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe situations where different goals or responsibilities conflict with each other, often leading to tension or difficulty in decision-making. Example: "The team faced clashing priorities between meeting the project deadline and ensuring quality standards were upheld."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But clashing priorities are sabotaging carbon storage potential.

Nature

Like other students, those studying for M.B.A.'s should of course be challenged to "think through clashing priorities and potential options rather than hewing to any preplanned strategy".

The New York Times

In Mr Mandelson's metaphor, it wanted the discipline of a rowing eight to replace the "clashing priorities and competing egos" that characterised Tory cabinets.

The Economist

He discovered that the principal thrived by thinking through clashing priorities and potential options, rather than hewing to any pre-planned strategy — the same approach taken by the managing partner of a successful international law firm in town.

The New York Times

What we have here is a real estate problem (congested city, tight market) and a human problem (clashing priorities and viewpoints) masking, as so often happens, as a dog problem.

The New York Times

The Commerce Department, for example, must defend its turf against the US Trade Representative's office and the economic wing of the State Department; the State Department, in an ancient ritual of clashing priorities and personalities, is constantly second-guessed by the National Security Council.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

By far the most contentious development project proposed for New York City in years, the stadium became a victim of the city's and state's clashing rebuilding priorities after the World Trade Center attack.

The New York Times

His father, Edward Colin Firthh), is an eccentric inventor and passionate nonconformist who clashes over priorities with his brother, Morris (Malcolm MacDowell), a hard-headed businessman.

The New York Times

The competing interests of parents, teachers and political officials, he said, were not unlike the clash of priorities of the business and editorial missions, which converge in the publisher's suite.

The New York Times

"We took responsibility for the entire country, and that's why often, there were clashes about priorities in economic policy". Kasprzycka reported from Warsaw and Holley from Moscow.

Los Angeles Times

These kinds of problems were a reflection of a longstanding clash of priorities at the bank: the conflict between getting projects done and protecting the people who live nearby.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing "clashing priorities", clearly define each priority and the reasons for the conflict to facilitate effective resolution.

Common error

Avoid simply acknowledging "clashing priorities" without investigating the root causes of the conflict. Understanding the 'why' behind each priority is crucial for finding solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clashing priorities" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a situation where different goals or needs are in opposition, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clashing priorities" effectively conveys a situation of conflicting goals or responsibilities. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it's grammatically correct and commonly used in contexts such as news, science, and formal business settings. When faced with this situation, clarifying each priority and its underlying causes is crucial. While alternative phrases like "conflicting priorities" or "competing priorities" can be used, understanding the nuance each conveys is also important. By recognizing the register, purpose, and potential errors associated with the phrase, writers can communicate more effectively and address the complexities of competing demands.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting priorities

Emphasizes the contradictory nature of the priorities.

competing priorities

Highlights the rivalry between different priorities.

divergent priorities

Focuses on the different directions of the priorities.

opposing priorities

Stresses the antagonistic relationship between priorities.

discordant priorities

Highlights the lack of harmony among priorities.

mismatched priorities

Underscores the lack of alignment between priorities.

contending priorities

Focuses on the struggle between the priorities.

incompatible priorities

Highlights the irreconcilable nature of the priorities.

antagonistic priorities

Emphasizes the opposition between the priorities.

conflicting agendas

Shifts the focus to the underlying plans or goals that are in conflict.

FAQs

How can I effectively manage "clashing priorities" in a project?

Prioritize ruthlessly based on strategic goals, delegate tasks effectively, and communicate transparently with all stakeholders. Use project management tools to track progress and identify potential conflicts early.

What's a better way to say "clashing priorities"?

Consider using alternatives such as "conflicting priorities", "competing priorities", or "divergent priorities", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "clashing priorities"?

This phrase is suitable in a variety of contexts, including business, politics, and personal life, where different objectives or responsibilities are in conflict. It's especially useful when discussing decision-making and resource allocation challenges.

How do "clashing priorities" differ from simply having many priorities?

"Clashing priorities" implies that the priorities are not only numerous but also in direct conflict, making it difficult or impossible to satisfy all of them simultaneously. Simply having many priorities does not necessarily mean they interfere with each other.