ongoing difficulties

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing difficulties" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe challenges or problems that are currently happening and have not yet been resolved. Example: "The company is facing ongoing difficulties in meeting production deadlines due to supply chain issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Ongoing difficulties in social and cultural adjustment may be accompanied by anxiety or depression.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The variation in findings may reflect ongoing difficulties surrounding the conceptualisation and measurement of informal social support.

European Journal of Pain

By Leo Robson August 1, 2016 Logan Lerman and Sarah Gadon in "Indignation," a film adaptation that demonstrates the ongoing difficulties of putting Philip Roth's work onscreen.

The New Yorker

Rob Dobson, a senior economist at Markit, described the UK's manufacturing sector as in a state of "near stagnation" after the ongoing difficulties faced by exporters were mirrored in the domestic market.

The Guardian - Business

Cutting prices and hiring more store staff has so far failed to offset the impact of the horsemeat scandal, together with tough competition from discount stores such as Aldi and ongoing difficulties with Tesco's non-food ranges.

The Guardian - Business

There are those with ongoing difficulties who may, in part – and perhaps misguidedly given the often profound effect of a suicide on the person's family – be seeking to release another from what they see as a burden.

The Guardian

He points to the fact that we have altered "the system of presidential election and succession no fewer than four times" (through the 12th, 20th, 22nd and 25th amendments), a reflection of our ongoing difficulties in getting it right.

The Washington Post

Many Arabs, in fact, identify more strongly with their family or tribe (an extended, patrilineal group) than with national or confessional affiliations, a significant factor contributing to ongoing difficulties in maintaining a strong central government.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

An ongoing difficulty is the flow of illegal immigrants from Albania.

Britannica

Later, at a press conference, he acknowledged the O.P.C.W.'s ongoing difficulty with enforcing the convention in Syria.

The New Yorker

It reflects the ongoing difficulty we have with people who don't understand the nature of the energy system.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing difficulties", be specific about the nature of the problems and their impact to provide clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing difficulties" without providing specific details about what those difficulties are. Generic statements can weaken your writing. Always give context to make the phrase meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing difficulties" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes continuous challenges or problems, adding detail to the situation being discussed, as seen in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ongoing difficulties" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe continuing challenges or problems. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across diverse fields, notably in News & Media and Scientific contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, suitable for formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity, it is advisable to provide context when using this phrase, avoiding vagueness. While alternatives such as "persistent challenges" or "continuing problems" exist, "ongoing difficulties" remains a versatile choice for expressing persistent issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent challenges

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the challenges.

continuing problems

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the problems.

lingering issues

Highlights issues that remain unresolved.

unresolved complications

Stresses the lack of resolution for complex issues.

protracted struggles

Emphasizes the extended duration and effort involved in overcoming the problems.

chronic setbacks

Highlights recurring impediments.

recurrent obstacles

Focuses on the repeated appearance of impediments.

enduring hardships

Emphasizes the prolonged and difficult nature of the circumstances.

sustained adversities

Focuses on continuous misfortune or affliction.

perpetual troubles

Highlights the seemingly endless nature of the problems.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "ongoing difficulties" in a sentence?

To effectively use "ongoing difficulties", provide context. For instance, instead of just saying "The project faces ongoing difficulties", specify the challenges: "The project faces "ongoing difficulties" due to budget constraints and staffing shortages".

What are some alternatives to "ongoing difficulties"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "persistent challenges", "continuing problems", or "lingering issues".

Is there a difference between "ongoing difficulties" and "temporary setbacks"?

"Ongoing difficulties" suggest persistent, unresolved issues, while "temporary setbacks" imply short-term, transient obstacles. The former indicates a longer-term problem, whereas the latter suggests a brief interruption.

Which is more appropriate, "ongoing difficulties" or "current difficulties"?

While both are acceptable, "ongoing difficulties" emphasizes the duration of the problems, suggesting they have been present for some time. "Current difficulties" simply refers to present challenges without necessarily implying how long they have persisted.