encounter resistance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter resistance" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to face or experience opposition or opposition to an idea, action, or plan. Example: The new policy faced widespread pushback and encountered resistance from employees, leading to a heated debate at the company meeting.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Movements encounter resistance.

The Guardian - Opinion

And that's where boards encounter resistance.

The New York Times

It must encounter resistance; it must "struggle".

The New York Times

For one thing, such frankness would encounter resistance.

The New York Times

Still, the Republican mayor's budget is certain to encounter resistance.

The New York Times

The solutions are mechanistically simple but will likely encounter resistance from many sides.

The Guardian

Beyond the technical hurdles, Dr. Frieden might encounter resistance on scientific grounds.

The New York Times - Food

On other aspects of the dominant culture, like abortion and assisted suicide, she will encounter resistance.

The New York Times - Books

At some point, though, the banks will encounter resistance from savers.

The Guardian - Business

She continued to encounter resistance, and not only because she was a woman.

The New York Times

But it could encounter resistance from customers nervous about handing over personal data – even in an anonymised form.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where an idea or proposal is likely to face opposition, use "encounter resistance" to convey the expectation of challenges. This phrase is appropriate for formal and informal contexts, adding a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While "encounter resistance" is versatile, consider using simpler alternatives like "face opposition" or "meet pushback" in casual conversation or informal writing to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter resistance" functions as a verb phrase, where "encounter" is the verb and "resistance" is the noun serving as the object. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the action of experiencing opposition or challenges. Examples show it often follows a subject initiating an action or proposal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encounter resistance" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe the experience of facing opposition or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. While appropriate for various contexts, it's most frequently found in news and media, scientific publications, and formal business communications.

Alternatives such as "face opposition" or "meet pushback" can be used in more informal settings. When using the phrase, remember that it suggests a passive experience of opposition, and be mindful of your audience and context to ensure your tone remains appropriate and understandable. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight the range of situations in which "encounter resistance" can effectively convey the message of impending or experienced opposition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face opposition

Focuses on the act of confronting opposing views or actions.

experience pushback

Emphasizes a strong, forceful reaction against something.

meet obstacles

Highlights the presence of barriers that impede progress.

meet with disapproval

Highlights a negative reaction or lack of acceptance.

confront challenges

Focuses on actively facing and dealing with difficult situations.

run into difficulties

Suggests encountering problems or obstacles during a process.

draw criticism

Emphasizes that the QUERY is generating critical comments and dispute.

generate friction

Suggests that the QUERY is creating conflicts and disagreement.

provoke disagreement

Emphasizes that the QUERY is triggering differences of opinion.

stir controversy

Highlights a situation that causes public debate and conflict.

FAQs

How can I use "encounter resistance" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter resistance" to describe facing opposition to an idea, plan, or action. For example, "The proposed changes to the policy are likely to "encounter resistance" from the employees".

What's the difference between ""encounter resistance"" and "face opposition"?

While similar, ""encounter resistance"" often suggests a more passive experience of opposition, while "face opposition" implies a more direct and active confrontation.

What can I say instead of ""encounter resistance""?

You can use alternatives like "face opposition", "meet opposition", or "experience pushback" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "encountered resistance" instead of "encounter resistance"?

Yes, "encountered resistance" is the past tense form of the phrase and is perfectly correct when describing a past event. For example, "The project "encountered resistance" from the start".