difficult to achieve

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult to achieve" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a task or goal that is hard or challenging to accomplish. For example, "Learning a new language is difficult to achieve but the rewards are worth it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is the most difficult to achieve.

The Economist

Qualitative goals were also difficult to achieve.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But that is difficult to achieve.

The Economist

The effect is difficult to achieve.

The New Yorker

Here that is more difficult to achieve.

The Guardian

Cures were politically too difficult to achieve.

The New Yorker

Conciliation will be difficult to achieve, however.

The New York Times

That prospect may be difficult to achieve.

The New York Times

Consensus is awfully difficult to achieve".

The New York Times

This aim is not difficult to achieve.

Harvard University

And that is very difficult to achieve.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To strengthen your statement, pair "difficult to achieve" with quantifying adverbs like "very", "extremely", or "particularly" to emphasize the degree of difficulty.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the difficulty by using hyperbolic language unless genuinely warranted. Overstating can undermine your credibility. Instead, opt for precise and descriptive language to illustrate the challenges involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to achieve" functions as an adjective phrase followed by an infinitive. It modifies a noun, describing the level of challenge associated with reaching a specific goal or outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and frequent usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "difficult to achieve" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase employed to describe challenging goals or outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use across a range of contexts, although more frequently seen in news, academic, and scientific writing. Related phrases include "hard to accomplish" and "challenging to attain", which can be used as alternatives depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, be precise about the reasons for the difficulty, and avoid overstating the challenge. By following these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the complexities and efforts associated with various endeavors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hard to accomplish

Uses "hard" instead of "difficult" and "accomplish" instead of "achieve", slightly altering the tone but maintaining the core meaning.

challenging to attain

Replaces "difficult" with "challenging" and "achieve" with "attain", suggesting a stimulating but demanding task.

not easily realized

Emphasizes the realization aspect of achieving something, implying that the outcome is not straightforward.

an uphill battle to reach

Uses a metaphorical expression to convey the struggle and effort required to achieve a goal.

fraught with obstacles

Focuses on the obstacles present, highlighting the challenging nature of the path to achievement.

requires significant effort

Shifts the focus to the amount of effort needed, underlining the demanding nature of the task.

presents considerable hurdles

Highlights the hurdles that need to be overcome, emphasizing the complexity of the achievement.

not a walk in the park

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that the achievement will not be easy or effortless.

verges on impossibility

Suggests that the achievement is extremely difficult and close to being impossible.

demands exceptional skill

Focuses on the level of skill required, highlighting that achieving the goal requires more than just effort.

FAQs

How can I use "difficult to achieve" in a sentence?

You can use "difficult to achieve" to describe goals or tasks that present significant challenges. For example, "Maintaining work-life balance is often "difficult to achieve" in demanding professions".

What are some alternatives to "difficult to achieve"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "hard to accomplish", "challenging to attain", or "not easily realized".

Is it always negative to describe something as "difficult to achieve"?

Not necessarily. While it highlights a challenge, it can also emphasize the value or importance of the goal. Acknowledging that something is "difficult to achieve" can inspire greater effort and appreciation upon success.

What makes something "difficult to achieve" versus simply "difficult"?

While "difficult" is a general term, "difficult to achieve" specifically implies that a particular outcome or goal is challenging to reach. The addition of "to achieve" focuses on the act of accomplishment and the hurdles involved in attaining it.