exceedingly difficult

USAGE SUMMARY

'exceedingly difficult' is an appropriate phrase to use in written English.
You can use it to describe a task or situation that is particularly challenging. For example, "The exam was exceedingly difficult, so I was not surprised at my low score."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Progress could prove exceedingly difficult.

The New York Times

Certainly, it will be an exceedingly difficult act to follow.

The New York Times - Sports

"Jon is very proud and this must be exceedingly difficult.

The New York Times

It's made our lives exceedingly difficult being commercial track meets".

The New York Times - Sports

But there are many differences that make comparisons exceedingly difficult.

The Guardian

But identifying the remains will be exceedingly difficult.

The New York Times

He knows this will be an exceedingly difficult task.

The New York Times

"It is exceedingly difficult to parse," Mr. Wolfe said.

The New York Times

The infection is rare, and exceedingly difficult to detect.

The New York Times

With such projects, it can be exceedingly difficult to detect the spread of illicit funds.

The New Yorker

But once these massive software packages were in place, it was exceedingly difficult to change them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceedingly difficult", ensure the context provides specific details about why the task is so challenging. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "exceedingly difficult" as a generic descriptor. Instead, elaborate on the specific aspects that make something challenging, replacing the phrase with more descriptive language like "incredibly intricate" or "remarkably arduous" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceedingly difficult" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, describing the degree of difficulty associated with it. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase qualifies various nouns, highlighting the intensity of the challenge. This usage aligns with the standard grammatical function of adjectival phrases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceedingly difficult" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjectival phrase, used to emphasize a high degree of challenge or complexity. Ludwig AI analysis reveals its frequent use in News & Media and Scientific contexts, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. While "exceedingly difficult" is effective, writers should ensure they provide context about the specific challenges involved, and explore alternatives like "extremely challenging" or "incredibly complicated" to avoid overuse. The phrase is well-regarded, as evidenced by a high expert rating.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

Emphasizes the level of challenge involved, suggesting a task that requires significant effort and skill.

incredibly complicated

Focuses on the complexity of the matter, highlighting its intricate and convoluted nature.

remarkably arduous

Highlights the effort and hardship required, suggesting a task that is physically or mentally taxing.

exceptionally tough

Emphasizes the resilience and strength needed to overcome the obstacles, suggesting a formidable task.

particularly demanding

Focuses on the high expectations and requirements associated with the task, suggesting a need for precision and thoroughness.

prohibitively complex

Indicates a level of complexity that makes the task nearly impossible to complete.

highly problematic

Highlights the issues and obstacles encountered, suggesting a task that is fraught with difficulties and potential setbacks.

terribly taxing

Focuses on the depleting effect the task has on one's energy and resources, suggesting a heavy burden.

uncommonly intricate

Highlights the detailed and elaborate nature of the task, suggesting a need for meticulous attention.

singularly trying

Emphasizes the frustrating and testing aspects of the task, suggesting a challenge that puts one's patience to the test.

FAQs

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

You can use "exceedingly difficult" to describe tasks or situations that present significant challenges. For example, "The physics exam was exceedingly difficult", or "Navigating the bureaucracy proved exceedingly difficult".

What are some alternatives to "exceedingly difficult"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "extremely challenging", "incredibly complicated", or "remarkably arduous".

When is it appropriate to use "exceedingly difficult" in formal writing?

"Exceedingly difficult" is suitable for formal writing when you need to emphasize the high degree of challenge or complexity. However, ensure the tone remains objective and avoid hyperbole.

What makes "exceedingly difficult" different from "very difficult"?

"Exceedingly difficult" implies a higher degree of challenge compared to "very difficult". It suggests that the task is not only hard but also exceptionally complex or demanding. It can be replaced by terms such as "exceptionally tough" or "particularly demanding".