difficult to use

USAGE SUMMARY

"difficult to use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is hard to handle or operate, or that is complicated and takes time to get used to. For example: "The software was difficult to use, and it took me several hours to figure out all the different features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Too difficult to use.

The New York Times - Tech

They can be difficult to use.

The Guardian - Film

But they, too, are difficult to use.

The New York Times - Science

Car seats are difficult to use.

The Washington Post

But paclitaxel, which is given intravenously, is difficult to use.

The New York Times

The problem is that they can be difficult to use.

The New York Times - Tech

"It is difficult to use," he told me.

The New Yorker

However, some of these are difficult to use.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Only one reported it to be 'difficult' to use.

Critical Care

Today's timers aren't clunky, difficult-to-use dials.

The New York Times

This often makes the designed systems very difficult to use.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing usability issues, be specific. Instead of just saying something is "difficult to use", explain why. For example, "The software is difficult to use due to its unintuitive interface and lack of clear instructions."

Common error

Avoid vague statements about usability. Don't simply state that a product is "difficult to use" without providing specific examples of the challenges users face. Provide concrete details to support your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficult to use" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that something presents challenges in its operation or handling. As Ludwig's examples illustrate, this phrase appears frequently across diverse subjects, from technology to medicine.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficult to use" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that presents challenges in its operation or handling. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While alternatives like "challenging to operate" or "not user-friendly" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific examples of the usability issues to avoid vague generalizations. Keep in mind that the phrase is generally understood and accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not user-friendly

Directly points out the lack of ease and intuitiveness for the user.

challenging to operate

Emphasizes the difficulty in operating or handling something.

complex to utilize

Highlights the complexity involved in using something effectively.

lacking usability

Highlights the deficiency in the design that makes it hard to use.

hard to manage

Focuses on the difficulty in managing or controlling something.

not straightforward to work with

Highlights the lack of simplicity and directness when using something.

unwieldy to handle

Suggests that something is awkward or difficult to handle due to its size or shape.

cumbersome to employ

Indicates that something is burdensome or troublesome to use.

involves a steep learning curve

Focuses on the extensive effort required to learn how to use something.

presents operational obstacles

Emphasizes the hindrances and barriers encountered when trying to operate something.

FAQs

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

You can use "difficult to use" to describe anything that presents challenges in its operation or handling. For example, "The old software was "difficult to use", so we upgraded to a more user-friendly version."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficult to use"?

Alternatives include "challenging to operate", "complex to utilize", or "not user-friendly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "difficult to use" or "hard to use"?

Both "difficult to use" and "hard to use" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Difficult" may sound slightly more formal, but the choice often comes down to personal preference. Consider the audience of your writing.

What makes something "difficult to use"?

Things that are "difficult to use" typically have characteristics like an unintuitive design, a steep learning curve, poor documentation, or a lack of user-friendliness.