complex difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"Complex difficulty" is not a standard phrase in English, but it can be understood in context. You can use it when describing a situation or problem that has multiple layers of difficulty. For example: "The project presented a complex difficulty that required innovative solutions." Alternative expressions include "high level of difficulty" and "multifaceted challenge."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

She does not explore the complex difficulty that presents itself so urgently today, that such false texts and made-up stories have the power to drive events in the real world, that life imitates art.

The New York Times - Books

Since participants did not stay overnight in the hypoxic chamber, the symptom complex "difficulty sleeping" was not taken into account.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The families were negotiating complex difficulties but that afternoon, coincidentally, each wanted to discuss discipline.

The Guardian

She has become increasingly concerned that she has been allocated children with severe and complex difficulties for her third place.

Independent

While gifted as a confessor and counsellor, to his spiritual protégés he could be authoritarian, sometimes failing to empathise with the complex difficulties in which they found themselves.

The Guardian

Travelling with a paid escort who abandons them at Victoria station, how the two children cope with the complex difficulties of being refugees without legitimate status depends greatly on how those around them – and especially children – respond to them.

The Guardian

Support workers from Pause Southwark have given a voice to the women who often face complex difficulties from homelessness, violent relationships, substance abuse and mental health problems, but do not meet thresholds for statutory help.

The Guardian

This method may eliminate complex difficulties due to space-charge effects in the low-energy transport system.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

that leads to complex difficulties associated with its CP.

BioMed Research International

In addition, lost referrals, professional schedule inflexibility, poorly communicated processes and resourcing issues highlighted complex difficulties.

BMJ Open

The explanation for this rise includes the complex difficulties of the post-care transition.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complex difficulty", ensure the context clearly warrants both adjectives. Sometimes, a single, more precise word might suffice for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "complex difficulty" as a default phrase for any problem. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Always consider whether a simpler, more direct term would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "complex" modifies "difficulty", describing a specific type of challenge. It serves to qualify the nature of the difficulty, emphasizing its intricate and multifaceted characteristics. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's about something has multiple layers of difficulty.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex difficulty" describes a challenge that is both intricate and hard to resolve. Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a very frequent expression, with examples primarily found in scientific and news contexts. While grammatically acceptable, the phrase might sometimes be replaced by more common alternatives such as "intricate problem" or "multifaceted challenge" for improved clarity and impact. Using the phrase accurately involves recognizing situations where the difficulty stems from interconnected parts and underlying factors, rather than a straightforward obstacle.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complex challenge

Emphasizes the challenge aspect while maintaining the complexity.

intricate problem

Replaces "difficulty" with "problem", focusing on the problematic nature of the complexity.

multifaceted challenge

Emphasizes the many aspects of the challenge, rather than just its difficulty.

formidable difficulty

Emphasizes the imposing nature of the difficulty.

complicated issue

Substitutes both words with synonyms that convey a similar sense of intricacy and challenge.

complex predicament

Replaces "difficulty" with a word emphasizing the challenging situation.

severe complication

Focuses on the complication aspect and its severity.

challenging complexity

Highlights the challenging nature of the complexity

difficult complexity

Inverts the order, stressing the complexity's inherent difficulty.

profound intricacy

Highlights the depth and complexity involved.

FAQs

How can I use "complex difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "complex difficulty" to describe a problem or situation that is both intricate and challenging to resolve. For example: "The project presented a "complex difficulty" that required innovative solutions."

What are some alternatives to "complex difficulty"?

Alternatives to "complex difficulty" include "intricate problem", "multifaceted challenge", or "complicated issue", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "complex difficulty" a commonly used phrase?

While grammatically correct, "complex difficulty" is not a particularly common phrase. More direct or specific alternatives are often preferred in writing.

When is it appropriate to use "complex difficulty" instead of a simpler term like "problem"?

Use "complex difficulty" when you want to emphasize that the problem is not only difficult but also has many interconnected parts or layers that make it challenging to understand or solve. If the difficulty is straightforward, a simpler term like "problem" or "challenge" may be more appropriate.