complex predicament

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complex predicament" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is difficult to understand or resolve due to its intricate nature. Example: "The negotiations reached a standstill due to the complex predicament both parties found themselves in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Lincoln, having just won re-election, faces a complex predicament.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It did not include women with current mental health problems or the complex personal predicaments of low literacy and very low household wealth and THP-V might not be suitable to their needs.

Globalization and Health

Its program matches vulnerable young people (termed "Littles"), who are aged between 7 and 17 years, living in complex social predicaments, are isolated and in need of additional support and friendship, with adult volunteers (termed "Big Brothers" or " Big Sisters" or "Bigs").

BMC Public Health

Also uncertain was how much city, state or federal officials might intervene in the complex's financial predicament, if at all.

The New York Times

Hengzhan, the most important idea in Lu Xun's later thought, indicates the complex and tragic predicament of an intellectual in modern society.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But their overall predicament is deep and complex.

The Guardian - Opinion

But the reality of Jim Rogan is more interesting, just as his political predicament is much too complex to be chalked up to impeachment.

The New York Times - Magazine

Quite how Montepaschi – as it is commonly known – found itself in its current predicament is a long and complex story, and it is likely to be a while before it is explained fully.

The Guardian - Business

Their predicament is the product of a complex confluence of events.

The New York Times

Instead, the long-term solution to the predicament in Iran today is much more complex than any political reform could provide – Iranians have to solve an identity crisis generations in the making.

The Guardian - Opinion

The nature of projects varies from a routine literature update service to more complex tasks such as finding innovative solutions to research predicaments.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complex predicament" when you want to emphasize both the difficult and intricate nature of a situation. Ensure the context warrants the use of a more formal and nuanced phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "complex predicament" in situations where a simpler phrase like "difficult situation" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complex predicament" functions as a noun phrase, where 'complex' modifies 'predicament'. It describes a state or situation characterized by difficulty and intricacy. As Ludwig AI states, it describes a situation that is difficult to understand or resolve due to its intricate nature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "complex predicament" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a challenging situation marked by intricacy and difficulty. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is appropriate for describing situations difficult to understand or resolve due to their nature. It's frequently used in news, science, and encyclopedia sources. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where both complexity and difficulty are key aspects, avoiding overuse in simpler contexts. Alternatives like "complicated situation" or "difficult situation" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complicated situation

Focuses on the convoluted nature of the circumstances, rather than the challenging aspect of a "predicament".

difficult situation

Emphasizes the difficulty of the situation, omitting the intricate or convoluted aspect.

challenging dilemma

Highlights the demanding and uncertain nature of the choice or situation.

intricate problem

Focuses on the detailed and complicated nature of the issue.

thorny issue

Suggests a problem that is difficult to handle and likely to cause disagreement.

convoluted difficulty

Stresses the winding and confusing nature of the problem.

tangled web

Emphasizes the interconnected and confusing elements of the situation.

messy affair

Implies a situation that is disorganized, complicated, and unpleasant.

delicate matter

Indicates a situation that requires careful handling due to its sensitivity and complexity.

unenviable position

Highlights the undesirable nature of the situation someone finds themselves in.

FAQs

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

You can use "complex predicament" to describe a challenging situation that is difficult to understand or resolve. For example: "The company found itself in a "complex predicament" due to the economic downturn and increased competition."

What are some alternatives to "complex predicament"?

Alternatives include "complicated situation", "difficult situation", or "challenging dilemma". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "complex predicament"?

Use "complex predicament" when you want to emphasize that a situation is not only difficult but also intricate and involves many interconnected factors. It's suitable for formal or academic writing.

Is "complex predicament" the same as "difficult situation"?

While both phrases refer to challenging circumstances, "complex predicament" suggests a higher degree of intricacy and entanglement than a simple "difficult situation". A "complex predicament" often involves multiple layers and interconnected issues.