difficult environment

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult environment" is an acceptable phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to refer to a challenging physical or social setting. For example, "The intern was placed in a difficult environment, but quickly learned to adapt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"We continue to expect a difficult environment".

The New York Times

"It's a difficult environment over all.

The New York Times

But India is a notoriously difficult environment for foreign businesses.

The Guardian

"The Arctic is a very difficult environment to operate in.

The New York Times

Young minority officers find it tough to retain their enthusiasm in a difficult environment, Wilson says.

The Guardian

"The company performed admirably in a difficult environment," said Steven Milunovich of Merrill Lynch.

The New York Times

But it's also a difficult environment to risk taking a loan and starting a business.

The New York Times

"However, if the present difficult environment continues, the achievement of this target could be delayed".

The New York Times

The system may have let Navalny run, but his campaign has unfolded in a difficult environment.

The New Yorker

"This is positive movement in a difficult environment," said Donald Cogsville, president of the Cogsville Group.

The New York Times

The hardest part, she said, was to try and act in such a difficult environment.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotation of "difficult environment". It often implies resilience and perseverance in overcoming obstacles, which could be a desired message.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult environment" as a vague descriptor. Instead of simply stating that something is happening in a "difficult environment", explain the specific challenges and obstacles present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult environment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "environment". It describes a setting or situation characterized by challenges, obstacles, or unfavorable conditions. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to describe a wide range of scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult environment" is a versatile and widely used expression for describing challenging or adverse conditions. As evidenced by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news articles, business reports, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase is grammatically sound and serves to highlight complexities and potential struggles within a given setting. While the phrase is common, writers should be encouraged to provide context to what makes the environment "difficult". Alternatives such as ""challenging situation"" or ""tough circumstances"" can be used to add variety to writing. Overall, "difficult environment" is an effective and appropriate choice for conveying the presence of obstacles and hardships. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is acceptable for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging situation

Replaces 'environment' with 'situation', focusing on the circumstances rather than the surroundings.

tough circumstances

Substitutes both adjectives and nouns, highlighting the severity of the conditions.

adverse conditions

Uses a more formal tone, emphasizing the opposing or unfavorable nature of the circumstances.

unfavorable setting

Focuses on the context being not conducive to success or comfort.

demanding circumstances

Emphasizes the high level of effort or resources required to navigate the situation.

complex scenario

Highlights the intricate and potentially confusing nature of the situation.

precarious situation

Indicates a state of instability or danger.

trying conditions

Emphasizes the stressful or burdensome nature of the situation.

adverse climate

Similar to adverse conditions, but with an emphasis on the general atmosphere or prevailing trends.

testing environment

Highlights that the situation challenges one's abilities or resilience.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult environment" to describe challenging situations in various contexts. For example, "The company performed admirably in a "difficult environment"" or "It's a very "difficult environment" to come to."

What are some alternatives to "difficult environment"?

Alternatives to "difficult environment" include "challenging situation", "tough circumstances", or "adverse conditions", depending on the specific context.

Is "difficult environment" a formal or informal expression?

"Difficult environment" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as it is widely understood and accepted in various types of communication.

What makes an environment "difficult"?

An environment can be considered "difficult" due to various factors such as economic instability, political unrest, harsh weather conditions, or complex social dynamics. The specific challenges depend on the context.