delicate job

USAGE SUMMARY

"delicate job" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any task that needs to be carefully done, due to its complexity or fragility. For example, "Dr. Jones was tasked with a very delicate job of extracting the tumor without damaging the surrounding tissue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Some labelled this competitive devaluation.Managing such conflicts is a delicate job.

The Economist

St. and 9th Ave .has been supervising delicate job of decoration there.

The New Yorker

His most delicate job is planning for succession without signaling that he is ready to leave.

The New York Times - Sports

Paradoxically, the delicate job of finding museum leaders falls to a man with no art credentials.

The New York Times - Arts

Muriel, who often blurs the boundaries between professional and personal, gives Juan a delicate job.

The Guardian - Books

"It's a delicate job, because the mains are so large and the drilling is so complex," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

At the same time, the task of ensuring that no illegal immigrants from Arab or other Muslim nations hold any of several thousand potentially delicate jobs at local airports or nuclear plants has fallen to seven agents.

The New York Times

The tragic part of this story is, of course, that staff working at these units are now doing their very delicate jobs under pressure, and funds raised through charity efforts that could and should be spent on medical supplies and care, are instead being wasted on a judicial review, paying lawyers and legal fees.

Independent

His lab is a small room in his apartment on B'way & 81 St. Dr. V. performed one of his most delicate jobs of photomicrography a couple of years ago when he made a pictorial record of a study to ascertain the psychological consequences of disease and emboli in the blood of the hamster.

The New Yorker

at Bway. & 81st St. Dr.V. performed one of his most delicate jobs of photomicrography a couple of years ago when he made a pictorial record or a study to ascertain the physiological consequences of disease & emboli in the blood of hamsters.

The New Yorker

But newspaper reports and opposition leaders have countered by noting that Mr. Diniz not only is a former roommate and longtime political associate of Mr. Dirceu but also held one of the government's most delicate jobs, that of the executive branch's liaison to Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delicate job", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Do you want to emphasize the need for precision, sensitivity, or careful handling? Choose synonyms or related phrases that best capture the intended meaning.

Common error

While "delicate job" is widely applicable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "tricky task" or "sensitive issue" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate job" functions as a noun phrase where "delicate" modifies the noun "job". It describes the nature of the task, emphasizing the need for care and precision. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate job" is a common and versatile expression used to describe tasks requiring careful handling, precision, or sensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It is frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its suitability for describing complex situations and sensitive matters. While alternatives like "tricky task" or "sensitive assignment" may offer more specific nuances, "delicate job" remains a reliable and widely understood choice for conveying the need for caution and care.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tricky task

Replaces "job" with "task", emphasizing the work to be done. "Tricky" highlights the difficulty involved.

sensitive assignment

Substitutes "delicate" with "sensitive" and "job" with "assignment", suggesting the need for tact and discretion.

complex undertaking

Emphasizes the intricate and involved nature of the job, suitable for projects with many steps or considerations.

challenging endeavor

Highlights the difficulty and effort required, often used for ambitious or innovative projects.

precarious situation to handle

Shifts the focus to the instability and potential risk involved in the task, emphasizing the need for careful management.

finely balanced operation

Implies a need for precise control and awareness of multiple factors to achieve a successful outcome.

critical mission

Highlights the importance and urgency of the job, often suggesting a high-stakes scenario.

demanding role

Focuses on the high level of skill and effort required, typically used in professional contexts.

difficult position to navigate

Suggests the presence of obstacles and complexities that require careful planning and execution.

subtle art

Emphasizes the requirement of refined skill and technique. The sensitivity of the job is amplified.

FAQs

How can I use "delicate job" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate job" to describe any task that requires careful handling or precision, such as, "Negotiating the contract was a "delicate job" requiring diplomacy and tact."

What are some synonyms for "delicate job"?

Alternatives include "tricky task", "sensitive assignment", or "complex undertaking", depending on the specific context.

Is "delicate job" formal or informal?

"Delicate job" is generally considered neutral in formality. It is suitable for both professional and news contexts, but might sound slightly out of place in very informal conversations.

What makes a job "delicate"?

A job is considered "delicate" when it requires careful handling, precision, or sensitivity to avoid negative consequences. It often involves complex factors or potential risks.