difficult timing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difficult timing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the timing of an event or action is challenging or problematic. Example: "The project faced difficult timing due to unexpected delays in the supply chain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It was a case of difficult timing," said Dr. Fudemberg, now 29.

The New York Times

On the other hand Clegg believes the public is with him on some big measure of change — notwithstanding the difficult timing at a moment of financial and economic trouble.

The New Yorker

This is deliciously difficult timing in that, for his first appearance, Brady will have to face the team and fans he cheated, as the Patriots' fifth game is against the Colts in Indianapolis.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The other explanations have a difficult time … explaining the timing and magnitude of the increase we saw in 2015 and continue to see in some cities in the current year," Rosenfeld said.

The Guardian

The four actors have mastered the difficult comic timing demanded by the script, and if these characters don't ever quite achieve true depth, Mr. Harrison has obviously done some homework, pinning his absurdist antics to a framework of fact.

The New York Times

The watchmaker Girard-Perregaux supplied what may be the first examples to the German Imperial Navy in 1880, after an officer reportedly complained that operating a pocket watch was difficult when timing a bombardment.

The New York Times

I am interested in these sorts of studies because they show how difficult market timing is even for professional fund managers with access to far more information than individual investors and advisers enjoy.

Forbes

The early laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV infection is difficult; optimal timing for specimen collection and currently available diagnostic tests need to be refined further.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

That can make practice timing difficult — "when our time is up, some days we'll have to make way for the soccer team or one of the high schools," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

These findings strongly suggest engagement of different neural networks in difficult or easier timing and indicate a framework for understanding timing representation in the brain.

Neurobiology of Learning and Memory

What makes the cuts particularly difficult is the timing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "difficult timing", consider the specific reason for the difficulty. Be precise in explaining why the timing is problematic to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "difficult timing" as a vague statement. Always provide context and explain why the timing is difficult. For example, instead of saying "The project faced difficult timing", specify "The project faced difficult timing due to the holiday season and staff unavailability."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult timing" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "difficult" modifies the noun "timing". It typically serves to describe a situation where the circumstances surrounding a particular time are challenging or unfavorable. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and provides real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult timing" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression used to describe challenging or problematic circumstances related to a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in diverse contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science and Academia. When using it, clarity is paramount: specifying the reason for the difficulty enhances comprehension. Alternatives like "problematic timing" or "challenging timing" offer similar meanings with slight nuances. Remember to provide context to avoid vagueness and ensure your message resonates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

problematic timing

Replaces "difficult" with a synonym, emphasizing the problematic nature of the timing.

challenging timing

Substitutes "difficult" with "challenging", indicating a demanding aspect of the timing.

awkward timing

Replaces "difficult" with "awkward", focusing on the uncomfortable or inconvenient nature of the timing.

inconvenient timing

Similar to "awkward timing", highlighting the troublesome aspect of the timing.

unfortunate timing

Focuses on the negative consequences or bad luck associated with the timing.

poor timing

A more direct and simpler way to express that the timing is not ideal.

bad timing

Even more direct and straightforward than "poor timing".

untimely moment

Shifts the focus to the moment itself, rather than the general timing.

inopportune moment

Similar to "untimely moment", but with a slightly more formal tone.

ill-timed occasion

Frames the timing as part of an occasion that is negatively affected.

FAQs

What does "difficult timing" mean?

The phrase "difficult timing" refers to a situation where the timing of an event, action, or decision is problematic or challenging, often leading to complications or negative consequences.

What are some alternatives to "difficult timing"?

You can use alternatives such as "problematic timing", "challenging timing", or "awkward timing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You might say, "The merger faced "difficult timing" due to the economic downturn", or "Launching the product now presents "difficult timing" because of the competitor's recent release".

Is "difficult timing" a formal or informal expression?

The phrase "difficult timing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, depending on the audience, you might choose a more precise alternative like "problematic timing" in a formal setting.