extraordinarily challenging

USAGE SUMMARY

"extraordinarily challenging" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptionally difficult or demanding. Example: The final exam was extraordinarily challenging, with multiple essay questions and a strict time limit.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Several of our residents can be extraordinarily challenging.

The Guardian

Time frequency analysis for non-linear and non-stationary signals is extraordinarily challenging.

Applied and Computational Harmonic Analysis

Overall, the panel was at pains to point out the bank was working in an "extraordinarily challenging" environment in Kosovo.

The Guardian

When veterans leave, it is painful to lose strategic capabilities partly because growing them in the first place is extraordinarily challenging.

Harvard Business Review

The behind the scenes of it all were extraordinarily challenging.

Los Angeles Times

Teaching and learning in community is extraordinarily challenging.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

"The magazine ad market is extraordinarily challenged," said Peter Appert, an analyst at Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown who rates Primedia "buy" and doesn't own the stock.

The New York Times

Managing extraordinarily creative people is challenging if not impossible.

Huffington Post

However, the tragedy of August 17 2009 cannot simply be laid at the door of France's political elite, and its failure to cope adequately with an extraordinarily difficult problem that was challenging every society in Europe.

The Guardian

As a result, the administration and Republican leaders, who are committed to producing a bill, face an extraordinarily hard challenge.

The New York Times

As you might guess from her image on our cover, Lesley McAllister '91 has been facing an extraordinarily difficult challenge in her life.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extraordinarily challenging", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the high degree of difficulty or complexity involved. Provide specific examples or details to support the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "extraordinarily challenging" as a generic intensifier. Only use it when the situation genuinely warrants such a strong description. Overusing it can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extraordinarily challenging" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the intensity and level of difficulty associated with that noun. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates something is exceptionally difficult or demanding.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extraordinarily challenging" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival phrase that describes something as exceptionally difficult or demanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is effective for highlighting the intensity of a challenge. It is most commonly found in news, science, and formal business contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the context warrants such a strong description and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. When a change of pace is needed, alternatives include "exceptionally difficult" and "remarkably demanding".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally difficult

Replaces "extraordinarily challenging" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the high level of difficulty.

remarkably demanding

Shifts the focus slightly from difficulty to the high level of demands placed on someone or something.

uncommonly arduous

Uses more formal and less common vocabulary to emphasize the strenuous nature of the challenge.

incredibly taxing

Highlights the draining or burdensome aspect of the challenge.

unusually problematic

Focuses on the troublesome or complex nature of the issue.

intensely rigorous

Emphasizes the strictness and thoroughness required to meet the challenge.

highly testing

Highlights the way in which the challenge probes or assesses one's abilities.

severely straining

Focuses on the intense pressure or burden caused by the challenge.

unprecedentedly tough

Emphasizes that the level of challenge is historically unmatched.

monumentally difficult

Emphasizes the grand scale and great level of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "extraordinarily challenging" to describe a task, situation, or environment that presents exceptional difficulty. For example, "The project presented an extraordinarily challenging set of problems."

What are some alternatives to "extraordinarily challenging"?

Alternatives include "exceptionally difficult", "remarkably demanding", or "uncommonly arduous", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "extraordinarily challenging" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing complex issues or tasks that require significant effort and expertise. It can be used in business, academic, and scientific contexts.

What makes something "extraordinarily challenging" as opposed to just "challenging"?

The "extraordinarily" emphasizes that the challenge is far beyond the ordinary, implying a higher degree of difficulty, complexity, or required effort compared to something that is merely "challenging".