difficult conflict

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult conflict" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the conflict is particularly challenging or complex to resolve. Example: "The negotiations were stalled due to a difficult conflict between the two parties, each unwilling to compromise on their demands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

That makes this a particularly difficult conflict to resolve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Q: The facts in every difficult conflict vary, but you claim there are common tactics that can lead to peace.

Columbia University

He believed that through talking freely, the difficult conflict could be borne and the symptom would dissolve.

The Guardian - Books

Leaders guiding their groups through a peace process following a difficult conflict must address the unique challenges created by this process.

International Journal of Intercultural Relations

This is "not a difficult conflict, it is an illegal occupation – it continues, it expands and it costs thousands of innocent Palestinian lives.

The Guardian

Liu said MSF's ability to work in some of the world's most difficult conflict zones had been put at stake by the attack.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Difficult conflict-of-interest issues also arise in the context of government service.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I'm saying that it is a firm and clear direction of British development policy that has been set down by the national security council to work in more difficult, conflict-ridden places because it is the right thing to do and because it's very much in our national interest.

The Guardian

Five percent of all difficult conflicts end in a destructive quagmire.

Columbia University

One in every twenty difficult conflicts ends up not in a calm reconciliation or tolerable stand-off but as an acute and lasting antagonism.

Harvard University

If we are to approach difficult conflicts, we need to start developing an approach that is able to embrace the different kinds of attributes that actually perpetuate this conflict.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult conflict", provide specific details about the challenges involved, such as the complexity of the issues or the resistance to resolution. This adds depth and clarity to your analysis.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling a situation as a "difficult conflict" without providing context or specifics. Instead, illustrate why it's difficult by pointing to factors like historical grievances, power imbalances, or lack of trust.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult conflict" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "conflict". As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes the nature or quality of the conflict.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

26%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult conflict" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a challenging dispute or disagreement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears frequently in news media, academic writing, and scientific publications, indicating its versatility across different contexts. While alternatives such as "challenging conflict" or "complex conflict" exist, "difficult conflict" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to convey the problematic nature of a given situation. When using the phrase, it is important to provide context and specific details to illustrate why the conflict is considered "difficult".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging conflict

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", suggesting a conflict that requires effort and skill to resolve.

intractable conflict

Substitutes "difficult" with "intractable", implying a conflict that is hard to manage or cure.

complex conflict

Replaces "difficult" with "complex", emphasizing the intricate and multifaceted nature of the conflict.

tough conflict

Uses "tough" instead of "difficult", offering a more informal and straightforward description of the conflict's severity.

serious conflict

Substitutes "difficult" with "serious", highlighting the weighty and consequential aspects of the conflict.

problematic conflict

Replaces "difficult" with "problematic", indicating that the conflict is causing problems or difficulties.

acute conflict

Uses "acute" in place of "difficult", suggesting a conflict that is sharp and intense.

thorny conflict

Replaces "difficult" with "thorny", implying a conflict that is complex and sensitive, like dealing with thorns.

sensitive conflict

Uses "sensitive" instead of "difficult", highlighting the delicate nature of the conflict and the need for careful handling.

heated dispute

Changes both "difficult" and "conflict" to "heated dispute", suggesting a conflict characterized by strong emotions and disagreement.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult conflict" to describe a situation where resolution is challenging. For example: "The negotiations failed due to a "difficult conflict" between the parties." Consider alternatives like "complex dispute" or "challenging situation" if appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "difficult conflict"?

Synonyms include "challenging conflict", "intractable dispute", or "complex situation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult conflict" or "challenging conflict"?

Both "difficult conflict" and "challenging conflict" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Challenging" might suggest an opportunity for growth or problem-solving, while "difficult" simply emphasizes the hardship involved.

What makes a conflict a "difficult conflict"?

A "difficult conflict" is characterized by factors such as deeply entrenched positions, a lack of trust between parties, complex underlying issues, or a history of failed resolution attempts. These factors make finding a mutually acceptable solution particularly challenging.