difficult opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that presents a challenging but potentially beneficial chance or circumstance. Example: "While the project seems daunting, it is a difficult opportunity that could lead to significant growth for our company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Afghanistan presents an ideal but difficult opportunity.

The New York Times

It was a difficult opportunity off Laxman, who was looking to on-drive Anderson, on in place of Bresnan.

The Guardian - Sport

Van Nistelrooy, with his back to goal, had just hooked a difficult opportunity over the bar when Real scored in the 12th minute.

The Guardian - Sport

Jordan then failed to hold on to a much more difficult opportunity of the either-they-stick-or-they-don't variety when Warner bludgeoned a return drive to his left.

Independent

Rosenior then had a difficult opportunity at the far post, which he volleyed wide.

BBC

Former skipper Westwood also had a let-off when Rayner, diving to his left at backward square-leg grassed a difficult opportunity, allowing the Bears batsman to pass his season's previous best score of 70.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Refocusing Digg was arguably one of the most difficult opportunities in tech, and the ambitious SCMP mission — powered by Alibaba — is arguably on at least an equal footing to that.

TechCrunch

The first was a difficult headed opportunity that came to him quickly at the back post.

BBC

But the visiting full-back then failed with a second, more difficult kicking opportunity soon after, and was instantly made to regret that miss when Myler slotted a penalty of his own after Northampton's first meaningful attack was halted illegally.

BBC

While this redistribution made the implementation process more difficult, the opportunity provided by educational outreach sessions for 'old' staff to interact and mentor 'new' staff could be utilized as a potential strategy to facilitate peer-based support in future initiatives.

BMC Health Services Research

For a stylized overview of country classifications, please refer to Table  1.> Access to homeownership is determined by the opportunities to become a homeowner and the constraints making the transition to homeownership difficult; both opportunities and constraints differ across countries and through time.

European Journal of Population

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "difficult opportunity", be specific about what makes it difficult and what potential rewards or benefits might result from successfully navigating the challenge.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the potential benefits of a "difficult opportunity" to the point where the challenges are minimized or ignored. Acknowledge both aspects for a balanced and credible description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult opportunity" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "opportunity". It describes a situation that presents both challenges and potential benefits. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult opportunity" effectively describes a situation that combines challenge and potential reward. Grammatically sound and usable across various contexts, as Ludwig confirms, it appears most frequently in news and media, sports, and scientific domains. While not exceedingly common, it strikes a balance between acknowledging hardship and highlighting the potential for positive outcomes. Related phrases like "challenging opportunity" or "complex opportunity" offer subtle variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure you provide a balanced view of both the difficulties and the potential rewards.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging opportunity

Replaces 'difficult' with 'challenging', emphasizing the demanding nature of the opportunity.

complex opportunity

Substitutes 'difficult' with 'complex', highlighting the intricate nature of the opportunity.

demanding prospect

Replaces 'opportunity' with 'prospect', indicating a future possibility that requires significant effort.

arduous undertaking

Indicates a significant and strenuous effort is required.

taxing endeavor

Emphasizes the energy and resources required to pursue the opportunity.

testing situation

Focuses on the trial or test the opportunity presents.

problematic chance

Highlights the potential issues associated with the opportunity.

tough break

Uses a more informal idiom to describe a challenging situation.

thorny proposition

Highlights the problematic or sensitive nature of the opportunity.

uncomfortable opening

Focuses on the unease or challenge the opportunity might present.

FAQs

How can I effectively describe a "difficult opportunity" in a cover letter?

When mentioning a "difficult opportunity" in a cover letter, highlight your skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past.

What are some synonyms for "difficult opportunity"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging opportunity", "complex opportunity", or "demanding prospect" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to frame a challenge as a "difficult opportunity"?

While framing challenges as "difficult opportunities" can be a positive and motivating approach, it's not always suitable. Consider the audience and the context. In some situations, acknowledging the difficulty without immediately framing it as an opportunity may be more appropriate, especially when dealing with sensitive or serious matters.

How does a "difficult opportunity" differ from a simple 'challenge'?

A "difficult opportunity" implies that despite the challenges, there's a significant potential for growth, reward, or positive outcome. A simple 'challenge' may not necessarily suggest such a strong potential upside; it primarily focuses on the demanding nature of the situation.