difficult adjustment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult adjustment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a challenging change or transition in a person's life or situation. Example: "After moving to a new city, I found the difficult adjustment to a different culture and lifestyle to be overwhelming."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All the same the singer has made difficult adjustment.

The Guardian - Music

A Difficult Adjustment Mrs. Clinton said that Washington was much more of a shock than Arkansas, though.

The New York Times

"In the near term, it's going to be a difficult adjustment for the economy," said Sonal Varma, an economist at Nomura Securities in Mumbai.

The New York Times

Ramy Rashad, a freshman at USC, identified deeply with the film's college setting and the difficult adjustment period some Muslim American students experience in university.

Huffington Post

But for some Red Sox fans like me, who still bear the scars of those hopeless decades, it's been a difficult adjustment.

Los Angeles Times

It is a difficult adjustment.

Independent

It was a difficult adjustment.

The New Yorker

I found that actually a quite difficult adjustment.

The Guardian

But, our current situation requires this difficult adjustment.

University of California, Berkeley

Those early months were a difficult adjustment for all.

The New York Times

Like breaking any addiction, it involves a period of withdrawal and difficult adjustment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult adjustment", be specific about the factors contributing to the difficulty. Providing context will help readers understand the magnitude of the challenge.

Common error

Avoid vague statements about a "difficult adjustment" without explaining what makes it so. Provide specific details to illustrate the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult adjustment" functions as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "adjustment". It describes a state or period characterized by challenges and difficulties in adapting to new circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it describing transitions in various life situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult adjustment" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe challenging adaptation processes. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is applicable across various registers, though most frequently found in News & Media. When using this phrase, specificity enhances clarity. Related phrases include "challenging adaptation" and "tough transition". By understanding its function and context, writers can effectively convey the complexities of adaptation. The frequent usage and authoritative sources citing "difficult adjustment" highlight its widespread acceptance and relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging adaptation

Emphasizes the adaptive aspect while highlighting the challenge involved.

tough transition

Focuses on the transitional aspect and the hardship associated with it.

arduous adaptation

Highlights the effort and difficulty involved in adapting.

strenuous adaptation

Similar to "arduous adaptation", emphasizing the demanding nature of the change.

complex accommodation

Focuses on the intricacy and difficulty of making accommodations.

demanding adaptation

Emphasizes the rigorous requirements of the adaptation process.

trying transition

Highlights the testing and stressful nature of the transition.

problematic readjustment

Focuses on the issues and problems associated with readjusting.

thorny accommodation

Emphasizes the complex and prickly nature of the accommodation.

uneasy transition

Highlights the lack of comfort and ease during the transition.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult adjustment" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult adjustment" to describe a challenging period of adaptation to new circumstances. For example: "Moving to a new country presented a "difficult adjustment" due to the language barrier and cultural differences."

What are some alternatives to "difficult adjustment"?

Alternatives include "challenging adaptation", "tough transition", or "arduous adaptation", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "difficult adjustment"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation where someone is struggling to adapt to new circumstances, whether it's a new job, a new environment, or a significant life change.

What's the difference between "difficult adjustment" and "challenging transition"?

While both phrases describe a tough period of change, ""difficult adjustment"" emphasizes the act of adapting, while "challenging transition" focuses on the shift from one state to another.