difficult order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request or task that is challenging to fulfill or complete. Example: "The restaurant received a difficult order that required special dietary accommodations for multiple guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

By James Thurber The New Yorker, December 10, 1927 P. 19 New attendant at soda fountain asks how to fill a difficult order and when veteran has explained the latter remarks "It takes years to learn the soda game".

The New Yorker

Spartan races are challenges of the most difficult order, testing physical strength, endurance and intelligence through a series of dangerous obstacles.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This piece of advice always feels a little bossy, and it also makes for difficult ordering: how can you insure a well-balanced meal when kimchi and a whole stone crab are presented as equivalents?

The New Yorker

However, the handset has been plagued with logistical issues like a difficult ordering process on Google Play or being out of stock.

TechCrunch

Despite this, he remained the best of the brigadiers of the division and was not afraid to voice his concerns when given difficult orders by his superiors.

Wikipedia

In this version, HAL then falsely predicts a failure of the hardware maintaining radio contact with Earth (the source of HAL's difficult orders) during the broadcast of Frank Poole's birthday greetings from his parents.

Wikipedia

Even with the new system, it will remain difficult to order obscure options on popular models.

The New York Times

It would be difficult to order a nearly $200 bagel sandwich at Bits Bites & Baguettes -- difficult, but certainly not impossible.

The New York Times

Which is why it is difficult to order the apple tart at Atlas without a quiver of skepticism.

The New York Times - Food

The education ministry suspects that the revalidation test has been made needlessly difficult in order to keep foreigners out.

The Economist

The combination setting, however, makes it more difficult to order combination levels according to the monotonically increasing toxicity.

Revue d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tasks or requests, use "difficult order" to convey a sense of complexity or demanding requirements. Consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult order" when a simpler term like "complex order" or "challenging request" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult order" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "difficult" modifies the noun "order". Ludwig AI confirms its usage to describe tasks or requests that are challenging to fulfill.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult order" effectively conveys that a task or request is challenging due to its complexity or demanding requirements. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While “difficult order” is suitable for both professional and everyday communication, be aware of overuse in simpler contexts. As an alternative consider "complex task", "challenging request" or "tough assignment" in contexts where simpler language is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

challenging request

Focuses on the demanding nature of the request itself.

complex task

Emphasizes the intricate nature of the task involved.

tough assignment

Highlights the demanding aspect of the assigned task.

complicated procedure

Highlights the intricacy of a series of actions.

arduous undertaking

Stresses the effort and difficulty required.

demanding commission

Implies a task that requires significant skill and effort.

intricate endeavor

Focuses on the complex and elaborate nature of the effort.

problematic job

Indicates that the job presents issues or difficulties.

delicate undertaking

Implies a situation requiring careful handling.

formidable challenge

Emphasizes the scale and intimidating nature of the challenge.

FAQs

What does "difficult order" mean?

A "difficult order" refers to a request or task that is challenging to fulfill due to its complexity, demanding nature, or specific requirements.

What can I say instead of "difficult order"?

You can use alternatives like "challenging request", "complex task", or "tough assignment" depending on the specific context.

Is "difficult order" formal or informal?

The phrase "difficult order" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for professional and academic contexts, but may sound somewhat elevated in casual conversation.

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

You can use "difficult order" in sentences such as "The chef received a "difficult order" requiring multiple dietary accommodations" or "The team faced a "difficult order" to complete the project under tight deadlines".