litany of troubles

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "litany of troubles" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a long list or series of problems or difficulties someone is facing. Example: "After the storm, the community faced a litany of troubles, including power outages, damaged homes, and disrupted services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Iridium's litany of troubles by now are well known.

The New York Times

The truth is, the litany of troubles that has beset the 81-year-old beauty pageant turned quest for relevance -- though not too much relevance -- would make Bert Parks bury his head in an issue of Penthouse.

The New York Times

Sudan has seen not one but two civil wars between its Arab-dominated centre and the non-Arab minorities in its south and west.In reviewing this litany of troubles, it is necessary to remember that what people call "the Arab world" is a big and amorphous thing, and arguably (see article) not one thing at all.

The Economist

"It's one more nail in Buffalo's coffin," said Aaron Platz, 30, a Buffalo resident, alluding to a litany of troubles that includes the layoffs of more than 300 teachers and school administrators in 2001 and a steady decline in population that has left the city with 292,000 people, half of its peak in the 1950's.

The New York Times

The American carmakers face a litany of troubles that labor concessions just can't fix.

Forbes

This litany of troubles cost the corporation about $1 billion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Its North American banking operations also struggled, with a litany of mortgage troubles continuing to weigh on its results.

The New York Times

Theseus is carted off to a hospital, where he takes stock of his life — AIDS should have killed him, he says, or the combination of antipsychotics and alcohol he ingested should have — and goes through a litany of global troubles (inequality, war, corporate greed) on his small institutional bed, his subtle gestures giving stylized illustration.

The New Yorker

On top of all this, IBM has had to contend with a litany of legal troubles of the sort that corporate giants are prey to, including an investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission, the indictment of executives in South Korea for bribery and bid-rigging, lawsuits from two software makers (Compuware and SCO) claiming IBM stole their code and lawsuits from angry pensioners.

Forbes

On top of all this, IBMhas had to contend with a litany of legal troubles of the sort that corporate giants are prey to, including an investigation by the Securities & Exchange Commission, the indictment of executives in SouthKorea for bribery and bid-rigging, lawsuits from two software makers (Compuware and SCO) claiming IBM stole their code and lawsuits from angry pensioners.

Forbes

Mr. Obama gave immigration one brief mention at the Democratic convention, in a litany of big-trouble issues, like abortion, guns and same-sex marriage, on which he seemed to say that the best Americans could hope for are small compromises and to agree to disagree.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful that "litany of troubles" can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "many problems" or "a series of issues" in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "litany of troubles" in casual or informal contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Overusing formal phrases can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "litany of troubles" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It describes a collection or series of difficulties, emphasizing their number and burdensome nature. Ludwig confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "litany of troubles" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a long and burdensome list of problems. While not overly common, Ludwig confirms its appropriateness in formal and semi-formal contexts, primarily within News & Media. Alternatives include "series of problems" or "host of difficulties". When considering using this phrase, remember its slightly formal tone and ensure it fits the overall register of your writing. Avoid overuse in casual conversation, as it may sound unnatural. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is used to highlight the extensive and overwhelming nature of a set of problems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

series of problems

Focuses on the sequential aspect of the issues.

host of difficulties

Emphasizes the large number of problems.

catalog of woes

Highlights the distressing nature of the troubles.

array of setbacks

Emphasizes the hindrances and obstructions.

string of misfortunes

Highlights the bad luck associated with the troubles.

mountain of challenges

Focuses on the difficult aspect and the large number of the troubles.

succession of crises

Highlights the constant nature of the critical situations.

cycle of adversity

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the difficult situations.

parade of horribles

Underscores the shocking and unpleasant nature of the problems.

collection of hardships

Focuses on the suffering and privation caused by the troubles.

FAQs

How can I use "litany of troubles" in a sentence?

You can use "litany of troubles" to describe a long series of problems or difficulties someone is facing. For example, "The company faced a "litany of troubles" after the product recall".

What are some alternatives to "litany of troubles"?

Alternatives include "series of problems", "host of difficulties", or "collection of hardships", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "litany of troubles" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "litany of troubles" is appropriate for formal writing. It effectively conveys the idea of a long and serious list of problems, making it suitable for reports, articles, and other professional documents.

What is the difference between "litany of troubles" and "series of problems"?

"Litany of troubles" often suggests a more burdensome or overwhelming set of issues than a "series of problems". The word "litany" implies a drawn-out and potentially distressing recitation of difficulties.