least easily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least easily" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is the most difficult to accomplish or achieve compared to other options. Example: "Of all the tasks on my list, this one is least easily completed due to its complexity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This medication should be over the counter or at least easily accessible.

The New York Times

To hear Mr. Kerry tell it, the world's most complex problems are simple, or at least easily manageable.

The New York Times

The intricateness and density of Gass's book are, to say the least, easily matched by those of his subject.

The New York Times - Books

Da Sweet Blood is his most excessive, least easily readable work since Bamboozled, but it can't match his earlier film for sheer visceral impact.

The Guardian - Film

And one might note that the most extreme elements in his own party were the ones who were most defiant, and the least easily intimidated by him.

The New Yorker

But if we have missed any tools or services that help investors automatically (or at least easily) rebalance, please share those in the comment section below.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

In our limited experience, we have found that these techniques can be sensitive to many systematic effects, especially in systems not explicitly optimized for mass spectrometry, and often do not provide an absolute (or at least easily-calibrated) mass spectrum.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Nevertheless, it is the second-least easily hydrolyzed neptunium ion in water, forming the NpOH2+ ion.

Wikipedia

That last question, at least, is easily answered.

The New York Times - Arts

Both men made at least one easily fact-checkable gaffe.

The Economist

This is still not a subject that can be openly debated, at least not easily.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "least easily" when you want to emphasize that something is the most challenging or difficult option among several possibilities. For example, "This concept is the "least easily" understood by beginners."

Common error

Avoid using "least easily" when you simply mean "not easy". "Least easily" implies a comparison; there must be other options that are easier. Instead, consider using "difficult" or "challenging" if there is no comparison being made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least easily" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the manner in which an action is performed or a quality is exhibited. It indicates the lowest degree of ease among a set of possibilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "least easily" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe something that is the most difficult or challenging in comparison to other possibilities. While Ludwig's examples indicate it's not a highly frequent expression, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Economist. It's suitable for neutral to formal contexts, conveying a nuanced sense of comparative difficulty. When considering alternatives, phrases like "with greatest difficulty" or "hardest to achieve" can offer similar meanings. Ludwig confirms that "least easily" is correctly used in various written English contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardest to achieve

Directly states the difficulty in reaching a desired outcome.

least readily

Focuses on the lack of immediate availability or accessibility.

least conveniently

Highlights the lack of convenience or suitability.

with maximum difficulty

Emphasizes the extreme level of challenge.

with greatest difficulty

Emphasizes the high level of effort or challenge involved.

with the greatest struggle

Emphasizes the significant effort and resistance encountered.

most arduously

Highlights the strenuous and laborious nature of the task.

most laboriously

Focuses on the extensive work and effort required.

most awkwardly

Suggests a lack of smoothness or grace in the process.

most cumbersomely

Suggests that something is done in an inefficient or awkward way.

FAQs

How can I use "least easily" in a sentence?

You can use "least easily" to indicate something is the most difficult among a set of options. For instance, "Of all the solutions, this one is the "least easily" implemented."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "least easily"?

Alternatives include "with greatest difficulty", "hardest to achieve", or "least readily", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "least easily" or "most difficultly"?

"Least easily" is generally preferred over "most difficultly" because it sounds more natural and is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Most difficultly" is grammatically correct but less idiomatic.

What's the nuance between "least easily" and "not easily"?

"Least easily" implies a comparison among multiple options, highlighting the most challenging one. "Not easily" simply indicates something is difficult, without comparing it to other possibilities. For example, you might say, "This problem is "least easily" solved using conventional methods" but "This lock is "not easily" picked".