looming difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "looming difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or problem that is approaching or becoming more apparent over time. Example: "As the deadline approaches, we are increasingly aware of the looming difficulty in completing the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There would be committee hearings and people scurrying around negotiating a path through the looming difficulty.

The New York Times

There's one looming difficulty for Pics.io, and that's for Adobe to step in and take its cloud-based shift to its logical conclusion.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ryanair first signaled looming difficulties last January when it issued a profit warning.

The New York Times

(Would Rimbaud have finessed his looming difficulties by walking away from poetry if he had been as thoroughly rewarded with money, acclaim, and unlimited lovers? No).

The New Yorker

The judges commended her "varied and realistic portrayal of business on the continent".In this section Looming difficulties Bush whacked Gimme smelter Third time lucky Down to earth with a bump Green shoots The third screen Book value Award Reprints.

The Economist

RUSSIA'S capital is still sweltering in the summer heat, but the looming difficulties of keeping the country heated this winter are already sending a chill through top officials' hearts.

The Economist

She now speaks Sotho and has become a citizen of the country.In this section Looming difficulties Bush whacked Gimme smelter Third time lucky Down to earth with a bump Green shoots The third screen Book value Award ReprintsOutside South Africa, where it has a solid base, Africa's garment industry relies heavily on preferential market access.

The Economist

There are many looming difficulties on the horizon in this new millennium, and allowing patent trolls to deprive us of a growing, vibrant platform for discussing them would be intolerable.

Huffington Post

Reporting on a June 2005 workshop convened by the American Association for Cancer Research, they concluded that, despite all the looming difficulties, such a project is essential, and the technology is sufficiently advanced to begin.

Environmental Health Perspectives

This process would not only help alleviate Japan’s retiree problem but also solve a looming global difficulty.

Forbes

Along the way, she must listen to unvarnished and unsettling accounts of her father's illnesses and looming financial difficulties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "looming difficulty", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the difficulty and why it is considered to be looming. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the situation's potential impact.

Common error

Avoid using "looming difficulty" in overly casual or informal writing. The phrase carries a sense of gravity and impending seriousness, which may be inappropriate for lighthearted or relaxed communication. Consider using simpler terms like "upcoming problem" or "approaching issue" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looming difficulty" functions as a noun phrase with an adjectival modifier. The adjective "looming" describes the noun "difficulty", indicating an approaching or threatening problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "looming difficulty" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for describing an impending problem or challenge. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the nature and potential impact of the difficulty. While synonyms like "impending challenge" or "approaching problem" exist, "looming difficulty" carries a slightly more serious and formal tone. Be mindful of overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impending challenge

Focuses on the challenge aspect and its imminent nature.

approaching problem

Highlights the problem aspect and its arrival.

emerging obstacle

Emphasizes the obstacle aspect and its gradual appearance.

developing issue

Focuses on the ongoing development and problematic nature of the situation.

gathering storm

Uses a metaphorical image to convey the buildup of trouble.

growing concern

Highlights the increasing worry associated with a particular matter.

threatening crisis

Emphasizes the potential for a severe negative outcome.

oncoming tribulation

Uses a more formal and dramatic term for difficulty.

burgeoning adversity

Highlights the growing nature of the unfavorable situation.

gathering momentum

Indicates that something difficult is increasingly hard to stop or avoid.

FAQs

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

You can use "looming difficulty" to describe a problem or challenge that is expected to emerge or worsen in the near future. For example: "The company faces a "looming difficulty" in securing new funding."

What are some alternatives to "looming difficulty"?

Some alternatives to "looming difficulty" include "impending challenge", "approaching problem", or "emerging obstacle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "looming difficulty"?

It is appropriate to use "looming difficulty" when describing a significant problem or challenge that is anticipated to arise or intensify in the near future. It's suitable for formal and serious contexts, such as business reports, news articles, or academic papers.

What is the difference between "looming difficulty" and "potential problem"?

"Looming difficulty" suggests a higher degree of certainty and imminence than "potential problem". A "potential problem" is a possibility, while a "looming difficulty" is a more probable and approaching issue.