extreme difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"extreme difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to describe a situation or task that is very challenging or hard to accomplish. Example: "The hikers faced extreme difficulty as they tried to climb the steep mountain in the middle of a snowstorm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He is overlooked only with extreme difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

Modernism in other arts brought extreme difficulty.

The Guardian - Books

Current laws make this possible only with extreme difficulty.

The Guardian

Forty-eight percent said they had great or extreme difficulty finding qualified employees.

The New York Times

"Post is experiencing extreme difficulty establishing secure voice calls," a classified dispatch said in January 2010.

The Guardian

His poetry was unusual in its extreme difficulty but possessed great tonal depth and resonance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ashbery's poetry was initially greeted with puzzlement and even hostility because of its extreme difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An enduring lesson of the Bush years is the extreme difficulty and cost of doing things by ourselves.

The New York Times - Magazine

Others recounted extreme difficulty with sitting exams, with their children refused access to all local schools for this.

The Guardian

(Among the more unsurprising of this study's findings: "Most students reported extreme difficulty in carrying out the assignment").

The New York Times

He was repeatedly hospitalised, had extreme difficulty speaking and spent his last three decades in a wheelchair.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extreme difficulty", ensure the context clearly illustrates the specific challenges involved, providing concrete examples or details to underscore the severity.

Common error

Avoid using "extreme difficulty" when the situation only presents a moderate challenge; doing so can undermine the impact of your message and make it seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig illustrates its usage in describing situations characterized by significant challenges or obstacles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extreme difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe situations or tasks that are exceptionally challenging. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While it's a useful phrase, remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the described situation truly warrants the descriptor. Alternatives like ""immense challenge"" or ""severe hardship"" may be more appropriate in some cases. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and widespread usage. Keep in mind that while the phrase itself is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, avoid overuse to prevent diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immense challenge

Emphasizes the scale and demanding nature of the task.

severe hardship

Focuses on the difficult conditions and suffering endured.

major struggle

Highlights the effort and resistance encountered.

intense struggle

Highlights the high degree of effort and conflict involved.

considerable adversity

Stresses the unfavorable circumstances faced.

formidable obstacle

Presents the difficulty as a barrier to overcome.

great impediment

Indicates a significant hindrance or obstruction.

arduous undertaking

Emphasizes the effort required and how prolonged the effort may be.

substantial complication

Points out the complexity and issues involved.

exceeding complexity

Highlights the intricate and often confusing nature of the difficulty

FAQs

How can I use "extreme difficulty" in a sentence?

You can use "extreme difficulty" to describe tasks, situations, or concepts that are exceptionally challenging. For instance, "The rescue team faced "extreme difficulty" navigating the treacherous terrain."

What are some alternatives to "extreme difficulty"?

Alternatives include "immense challenge", "severe hardship", or "major struggle", each offering a slightly different nuance depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "extreme difficulty" versus "great difficulty"?

"Extreme difficulty" suggests a higher degree of challenge than "great difficulty". Use "extreme difficulty" when the situation involves nearly insurmountable obstacles or exceptional effort.

Is there a more formal way to express "extreme difficulty"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "considerable adversity" or "formidable obstacle" to convey the same meaning with a more sophisticated tone.