compound difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compound difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or problem that is made more complex due to multiple factors or challenges. Example: "The project faced compound difficulty due to budget constraints, staffing shortages, and tight deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ratliff's unusual approach to the compound difficulties of writing about Coltrane is not to rehearse the story of his life but to trace the history of his sound.

The Guardian - Books

Plus, their low prices can compound difficulties since many institutions are prohibited from buying penny stocks.

Forbes

"In those with pre-existing lung conditions, they may compound difficulties in breathing".

BBC

The heterogeneity and complexity of AKI may compound difficulties in establishing good practice [ 9, 10].

CKJ: Clinical Kidney Journal

Altogether, these factors further compound difficulties in ascertaining accurate, population-based epidemiological data on rare, or very rare, diseases such as many of the ILDs.

BioMed Research International

It could very well be that loss of paralogues (from LUCA and created by later duplications) accounts for a large proportion of events attributed to HGT, especially between Domains (an event that would compound difficulties).

Biology Direct

Many have limited access to seed funds and microcredit, compounding difficulties in ending intergenerational poverty.

Huffington Post

The presence of comorbid disorders compounds difficulties in treatment access and provision [ 9].

BMC Psychiatry

Poor health systems and structures in countries affected by Ebola virus disease (EVD) have compounded difficulties in access to hospital care for Ebola patients.

Global Health Action

Research in Scotland has found that people in the poorest socioeconomic groups are more likely to develop multimorbidity at a younger age and to have greater mental health problems compounding difficulties in their management.

British Medical Journal

To compound the difficulty, the rough is deep and lush.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "compound difficulty", ensure that the context clearly indicates the initial difficulty and how it is being intensified. This will enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "compound difficulty" in situations where simpler terms like "increase the problem" or "add to the difficulty" would suffice. Reserving it for truly complex scenarios enhances its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compound difficulty" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the object of a verb, describing a situation where existing difficulties are intensified or made more complex. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "compound difficulty" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe situations where existing challenges are amplified by additional factors. While Ludwig found a few examples that demonstrate the phrase's usage across different domains, it's essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for contexts where the complexity truly warrants it. Considering alternatives like "exacerbate the situation" or "heighten the complexity" can provide nuance and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

multiply the difficulties

Suggests a rapid increase in the number or scope of difficulties.

heighten the complexity

Emphasizes the increase in the level of complexity.

worsen the crisis

Emphasizes the degradation and intensification of a crisis situation.

exacerbate the situation

Highlights the worsening of a pre-existing situation.

aggravate the predicament

Stresses making a difficult situation even more troublesome.

deepen the problem

Implies that the problem is becoming more profound or ingrained.

escalate the problem

Focuses on making the problem worse or more intense.

magnify the challenges

Highlights increasing the scale and significance of existing challenges.

intensify the hardship

Focuses on increasing the severity of a difficult situation.

add to the troubles

Simple way to indicate that existing troubles are being increased.

FAQs

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

Use "compound difficulty" to describe situations where existing difficulties are made worse by additional factors. For example, "The lack of funding "compounded the difficulty" of completing the project on time".

What can I say instead of "compound difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "heighten the complexity", "exacerbate the situation", or "multiply the difficulties" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "compound the difficulty" or "increase the difficulty"?

"Compound the difficulty" implies that multiple factors are adding to an existing problem, making it more complex. "Increase the difficulty" is more general and suggests a simple rise in the level of difficulty. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "compound difficulty" and "complex difficulty"?

"Compound difficulty" suggests that several elements are combining to make something difficult. "Complex difficulty" indicates that the difficulty itself is intricate and multifaceted. Although very similar, one is more about the combination of factors and the other is about the characteristic of the difficulty itself.