exceptionally challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"exceptionally challenging" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely difficult or demanding in a specific context. Example: "The final exam for the advanced mathematics course was exceptionally challenging, requiring students to solve complex equations and apply advanced concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The spacecraft had also suffered thruster leaks and battery and equipment failures that made operations exceptionally challenging.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tony Blair's adviser on health when he was prime minister has been handed the "exceptionally challenging" role as the new boss of NHS England.

The Guardian

Alternative states typically exhibit unique population and ecosystem dynamics and feedbacks compared to the state observed before a tipping point, making the process of reversion exceptionally challenging.

Harvard University

In March, Bill Gates of Microsoft told the House Committee on Science and Technology that the current system "makes attracting and retaining high-skilled immigrants exceptionally challenging for U.S. firms".

The New York Times

One of the largest private-sector employers in the south of Scotland has announced plans to close a seafood factory with the loss of 450 jobs because of "exceptionally challenging" market forces.

The Times

That diversity is a strength of the online world, but it makes developing common ground exceptionally challenging.

TechCrunch

Unfortunately, the U.S. immigration system makes attracting and retaining high-skilled immigrants exceptionally challenging for U.S. firms.

Forbes

Hargreaves Services said it was losing money on some Scottish operations due to falling prices and "exceptionally challenging" market conditions.

BBC

Australia's biggest brokerage, Macquarie Group, sank by 3.45%, to 31.38 Australian dollars ($22.23), having issued a trading statement Thursday terming the current quarter "exceptionally challenging".

Forbes

The Bear Stearns experience, like much of the fallout from the subprime crisis, has made your world exceptionally challenging over the last year.

Forbes

Group Chief Executive, Chris Parr, said: "As expected, market conditions remained exceptionally challenging over the past year with the ongoing paradox of lower global demand but higher input costs".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exceptionally challenging" to convey a task or situation that presents difficulties significantly above the norm. This phrase effectively communicates the need for specialized skills, extra effort, or innovative solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "exceptionally challenging" for tasks that are merely routine or slightly difficult. This can diminish the impact of the phrase when describing genuinely complex or demanding situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptionally challenging" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, typically a task, situation, or problem, indicating that it presents a significantly high level of difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptionally challenging" is a useful adjective phrase that effectively conveys a high degree of difficulty or demanding circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. To make the most of this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations that truly warrant its strong emphasis, and consider alternatives like "very challenging" or "particularly challenging" when a less intense description is appropriate. By understanding its function, purpose, and typical usage patterns, you can confidently incorporate "exceptionally challenging" into your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredibly challenging

Replaces "exceptionally" with "incredibly", offering a similar level of intensity in expressing the difficulty.

exceedingly challenging

Formally expresses the extreme difficulty of the task.

tremendously challenging

Indicates a great magnitude of difficulty.

especially challenging

Similar to "very challenging" but with slightly more emphasis.

particularly challenging

Another close synonym emphasizing the specific nature of the challenge.

highly challenging

Directly indicates a high level of difficulty

very challenging

Simple and direct substitution, removing the emphasis of "exceptionally" but maintaining the core meaning of difficulty.

unusually challenging

Suggests that the challenge is beyond the norm, differing from what is typically expected.

distinctly challenging

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable presence of difficulty.

uniquely challenging

Highlights the distinctive nature of the challenge, suggesting it is different from other difficulties.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptionally challenging" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptionally challenging" to describe tasks or situations that are significantly more difficult than usual. For example, "The project presented an "exceptionally challenging" set of problems to the engineering team".

What are some alternatives to "exceptionally challenging"?

Alternatives include "very challenging", "incredibly challenging", or "particularly challenging", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "exceptionally challenging" in formal writing?

Yes, "exceptionally challenging" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly and professionally conveys a high degree of difficulty. However, consider your audience and the overall tone to ensure it fits appropriately.

What distinguishes "exceptionally challenging" from "very challenging"?

"Exceptionally challenging" implies a level of difficulty that is significantly higher than "very challenging". It suggests that the situation requires more than just standard effort or skills to overcome.