is problematic if not impossible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is problematic if not impossible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something presents difficulties or challenges, and may even be unfeasible. Example: "Completing the project within the given timeframe is problematic if not impossible due to the lack of resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, achieving a random sample of Internet users is problematic, if not impossible [63].

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The advocated design methodology is validated on interesting classes of biological problems, for which the classical modelization via ODE is quite problematic, if not impossible, while a stochastic model can be more proficuous.

BioMed Research International

The idea is that the sense-data "interpose" themselves between perceivers and the mind-independent objects which we normally take ourselves to be perceiving, and therefore leaves our perceptual, cognitive and epistemic access to the world deeply problematic if not impossible.

SEP

Experts judge it problematic, if not impossible, to shield reports already declassified and made public.

The New York Times

But beyond the idea of expansion, any consensus falls apart, with fierce regional rivalries over who might gain new permanent seats making any change problematic, if not impossible.

The New York Times

Furthermore, it should also be noted that the presence of re-entrant connections invalidates the standard theory of branching processes [20], and makes a rigorous determination of the branching parameter σ problematic if not impossible, e.g., in the presence of avalanches merging.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

This would be problematic, but not impossible.

The New York Times

Proving motive is difficult, if not impossible.

The Economist

Unconscious bias is difficult if not impossible to change.

Forbes

However, it is difficult, if not impossible, to establish such relations for high-order PLLs.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

However, the comparison of the tools is difficult, if not impossible.

Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "is problematic if not impossible" to clearly and strongly communicate a significant challenge or near impossibility, ensuring the context supports this strong assertion.

Common error

Avoid using "is problematic if not impossible" when a situation is merely difficult or inconvenient. This phrase should be reserved for scenarios presenting truly exceptional challenges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is problematic if not impossible" functions as a qualifier, intensifying the description of a situation or task as exceedingly difficult, potentially to the point of being unachievable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase expresses that something presents difficulties or challenges, and may even be unfeasible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is problematic if not impossible" serves as a powerful tool to convey a situation fraught with extreme difficulties, potentially rendering success unattainable. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, highlighting its effectiveness in expressing significant challenges. While widely applicable across various contexts, this phrase finds frequent use in scientific, news, and general discussions. When choosing an alternative, carefully consider the specific shade of meaning you aim to convey, selecting options like "is nearly unachievable" or "is highly impractical" as appropriate. Use this expression judiciously, reserving it for scenarios truly bordering on impossibility to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearly unachievable

Emphasizes the high degree of difficulty, almost to the point of being impossible.

is virtually unattainable

Highlights the extreme difficulty in reaching a desired outcome.

is highly impractical

Focuses on the lack of practicality rather than absolute impossibility.

is almost unworkable

Indicates that the situation or plan is very difficult to make functional or successful.

borders on the infeasible

Suggests that the situation is close to being impossible to implement.

is bordering on the impossible

Similar to 'borders on the infeasible,' but using the word 'impossible' directly.

approaches impossibility

Implies a move toward an impossible situation, not quite there but close.

is close to undoable

An informal way to express that something is very hard to accomplish.

presents insurmountable challenges

Focuses on the challenges being too great to overcome.

faces almost certain failure

Highlights the high likelihood of not succeeding.

FAQs

How can I use "is problematic if not impossible" in a sentence?

You can use "is problematic if not impossible" to describe a situation that presents extreme difficulties, making success seem unattainable. For example, "Achieving a completely random sample /s/is+problematic+if+not+impossible".

What are some alternatives to "is problematic if not impossible"?

Alternatives include "is nearly unachievable", "is highly impractical", or "is virtually unattainable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is problematic if not impossible"?

Use this phrase when the difficulty of a task or situation is so high that it borders on being unachievable. It's suitable for scenarios where significant obstacles exist.

What's the difference between "is problematic if not impossible" and "is difficult"?

"Is difficult" indicates a challenge that can be overcome with effort, whereas "is problematic if not impossible" suggests the challenge is so great that success is highly unlikely or unattainable. The latter phrase conveys a much stronger sense of unfeasibility.