difficult meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult meeting" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a meeting that is challenging, uncomfortable, or involves complex issues. For example, "The team had a difficult meeting to discuss the project's setbacks." Alternative expressions include "challenging meeting" and "tough meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It was, Mr. Hildebrand and other participants agree, a difficult meeting.

The New York Times

It was the first time they'd ever met, and was a difficult meeting.

The Guardian

General Clark, who has since apologized, said: "This was a difficult meeting.

The New York Times

He lasted two seasons, getting the news during a congenial but difficult meeting with General Manager Bill Bavasi.

The New York Times - Sports

I well remember his fierce question to Geoffrey Howe on 24 October 1984: Howe had just returned from a difficult meeting of the EEC Foreign Affairs Council.

Independent

"She said, 'This is going to be a very difficult meeting — the university is facing dire financial restrictions and has to close the museum,' " Mr. Rush recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

There have been difficult meetings between Alcoa workers and managers to discuss pay, benefits and bathroom breaks.

The New York Times

I'd come to difficult meetings shaking, and find myself sitting next to Denis who is steady.

The Guardian

Last year, a series of difficult meetings produced only one hard-won accord governing the stationing of United Nations forces -- a pact the Congolese then violated.

The New York Times

Moving beyond these entrenchments was always going to be a struggle, and the Bonn talks have proved no exception to the routine of long and difficult meetings, bogged down in detail, that have characterised the long-running negotiations.

The Guardian

The decision follows difficult meetings in the Labour leader's office over the past 48 hours, with different members of the shadow cabinet giving conflicting advice on how to handle the growing crisis caused by Falkirk.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult meeting", be specific about the source of the difficulty. Was it due to conflicting opinions, complex information, or high stakes? Providing context adds depth and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult meeting" as a generic descriptor. Instead, elaborate on why the meeting was difficult. Was it due to disagreements, unexpected problems, or complex decisions? Specificity enhances understanding and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult meeting" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "meeting". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the nature or quality of the meeting. The examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult meeting" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a challenging or problematic discussion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase, conveying that a specific meeting involved complexities or sensitive issues. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to provide specific context about why the meeting was difficult to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "challenging meeting" or "tough meeting" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember to prepare thoroughly for such meetings by understanding the agenda, anticipating potential disagreements, and planning your communication strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging meeting

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging", emphasizing the demanding nature of the meeting.

tough meeting

Substitutes "difficult" with "tough", suggesting a meeting that requires resilience and determination.

uncomfortable discussion

Focuses on the uneasy feeling or atmosphere generated by the discussion.

problematic discussion

Shifts the focus from the meeting itself to the discussion, highlighting the issues involved.

contentious session

Replaces "meeting" with "session" and "difficult" with "contentious", emphasizing disagreement and potential conflict.

tense negotiation

Focuses on the negotiation aspect, highlighting the tension and potential for disagreement.

stressful conference

Replaces "meeting" with "conference" and "difficult" with "stressful", emphasizing the anxiety and pressure associated with the event.

awkward encounter

Downplays the formal aspect, focusing on the uncomfortable or embarrassing nature of the interaction.

strained conversation

Highlights the lack of ease and potential tension in the exchange.

delicate situation

Shifts the focus to the overall circumstances surrounding the meeting, emphasizing the need for careful handling.

FAQs

What makes a meeting qualify as a "difficult meeting"?

A "difficult meeting" typically involves challenging discussions, conflicting opinions, complex problem-solving, or high emotional stakes. It often requires careful navigation and strong facilitation skills.

How can I prepare for a "difficult meeting"?

Thorough preparation is key. Understand the agenda, anticipate potential points of contention, gather relevant data, and plan your communication strategy. Consider practicing active listening and conflict resolution techniques.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "difficult meeting"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging meeting", "tough meeting", or "problematic discussion" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "difficult meeting" and a "challenging meeting"?

While similar, "difficult meeting" often implies a higher level of tension or complexity, while "challenging meeting" might suggest a stimulating but demanding discussion. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.