in difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"in difficulty" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a situation that is taxing, complicated, or challenging. For example: "The team was struggling to solve the problem, and they soon found themselves in difficulty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lessons progress in difficulty.

The New York Times

The climbs increased in difficulty.

The New Yorker

It increases in difficulty more gradually.

The New York Times

Other international tribunals are also in difficulty.

The New York Times

You know, I'm in difficulty.

The Guardian

The Israeli economy is in difficulty.

The New York Times

West was in difficulty after ruffing.

The New York Times - Arts

The new parliamentary system was soon in difficulty.

The Guardian

Family link workers report families in difficulty when they visit.

The Guardian

It has been sustaining writers in difficulty since Coleridge.

The Guardian - Books

But by her second service game Hlavackova was in difficulty.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in difficulty", ensure the context clearly defines the nature and scope of the difficulty. This helps the audience understand the severity and impact of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "in difficulty" when the situation is merely inconvenient or slightly challenging. Reserve it for scenarios where genuine hardship or significant problems are involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in difficulty" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It describes a state or condition of hardship or trouble.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of hardship or challenge. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, and Science. While alternatives like "in trouble" or "facing challenges" exist, "in difficulty" maintains a neutral register and effectively conveys the presence of significant problems. When employing this phrase, clarity and context are key to ensure the audience understands the scope and nature of the difficulty being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in trouble

A more general term indicating a problematic situation.

in a bind

Replaces "difficulty" with a more colloquial term for a problematic situation.

in a predicament

Emphasizes a tricky or unpleasant situation.

facing challenges

Highlights the act of confronting difficult circumstances.

in dire straits

Suggests a severe and urgent state of difficulty.

experiencing hardship

Focuses on the experience of enduring difficult conditions.

under pressure

Indicates being subjected to stress and strain.

in a crisis

Signifies a critical and unstable situation.

grappling with problems

Emphasizes the struggle to overcome issues.

contending with adversity

Highlights the act of dealing with unfavorable conditions.

FAQs

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

You can use "in difficulty" to describe a person, group, or entity experiencing hardship or challenges. For instance, "The company found itself in difficulty after the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "in difficulty"?

Some alternatives include "in trouble", "facing challenges", or "experiencing hardship", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "in difficulty" or "having difficulties"?

Both phrases are correct, but "in difficulty" often implies a more serious or prolonged state of trouble, while "having difficulties" can refer to more temporary or minor problems.

How does "in difficulty" differ from "in a difficult situation"?

"In difficulty" is often more concise and can suggest a state of being, whereas "in a difficult situation" emphasizes the specific circumstances causing the problem.