overwhelming challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a task or situation that is extremely difficult or daunting. Example: "The team faced an overwhelming challenge when they were tasked with completing the project in just two weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

The show has one overwhelming challenge.

The New York Times

Responding to the needs of a growing elderly population is the overwhelming challenge.

Independent

The overwhelming challenge, the group agreed, was to run well in high heat and humidity.

The New York Times - Health

"It is an overwhelming challenge to say the least," Mr. Spriggs said.

The New York Times

It's an overwhelming challenge, and not all of their early efforts have borne fruit.

The New York Times

It reinforced both the overwhelming challenge of comprehensive tax reform, and the urgency with which it must be confronted.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

But five days in Afghanistan offered reminders of the overwhelming challenges that remain.

The New York Times

Mr. Karzai, 44, a descendant of a noble Pashtun tribe from southern Afghanistan whose interim leadership is to last five months, faces overwhelming challenges back home.

The New York Times

Colombia's new president faces overwhelming challenges, but none greater than to resist the temptation to fight the war through illegal or autocratic means.

The New York Times

The episode illustrated the overwhelming challenges faced by both American and Iraqi security forces in this dangerous patch of land some 20 miles south of Baghdad.

The New York Times

The factory's size and poor handicapped accessibility posed overwhelming challenges for the museum, which was never able to open there.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of just stating "an overwhelming challenge", consider adding details about its impact or scope. For example: "The project presented an overwhelming challenge due to its tight deadline and limited resources".

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming challenge" for minor inconveniences. The phrase should be reserved for truly significant difficulties to maintain its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming challenge" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" modifies the noun "challenge". It serves to describe a task or situation that is extremely difficult to overcome, conveying a sense of its magnitude and the potential difficulties involved, as suggested by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "overwhelming challenge" is a valid and frequently used expression to describe tasks or situations of significant difficulty. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found in diverse contexts, especially within news media and scientific publications. While it effectively conveys a sense of magnitude and difficulty, it's crucial to use it judiciously, reserving it for truly significant challenges rather than minor inconveniences. For enhancing writing and preventing overuse, alternatives like "formidable obstacle" or "daunting task" can be considered. Remember, as Ludwig's examples showcase, backing the phrase with the necessary context it will enhance its communicative power and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

formidable obstacle

Replaces 'challenge' with 'obstacle', emphasizing the obstruction aspect.

daunting task

Substitutes 'challenge' with 'task', highlighting the work involved.

immense undertaking

Uses 'undertaking' instead of 'challenge', stressing the magnitude and commitment required.

major hurdle

Replaces 'overwhelming' with 'major' and 'challenge' with 'hurdle', conveying a significant obstacle.

insurmountable difficulty

Emphasizes the potential impossibility of overcoming the challenge.

significant adversity

Shifts the focus to the negative conditions or hardship presented.

critical problem

Focuses on the problematic nature of the challenge, indicating its importance and potential consequences.

difficult situation

A more general term that indicates a problematic state of affairs that needs to be resolved.

complex issue

Highlights the intricate and multifaceted nature of the challenge.

serious predicament

Suggests a difficult, dangerous, or otherwise embarrassing situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "overwhelming challenge" in a sentence?

Use "overwhelming challenge" when you want to emphasize the magnitude and difficulty of a task or situation. For example, "The company faced an "overwhelming challenge" in entering a new and highly competitive market." Clearly specify the reasons behind the overwhelming nature of the challenge to enhance the impact.

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming challenge"?

You can use alternatives such as "formidable obstacle", "daunting task", or "immense undertaking" depending on the specific context and the aspect of the challenge you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "overwhelming challenge" in formal writing?

Yes, "overwhelming challenge" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing significant problems or tasks in professional, academic, or news contexts. Ensure that your writing provides adequate context to support the use of such a strong phrase.

What makes "overwhelming challenge" different from a simple "challenge"?

The word "overwhelming" adds a sense of magnitude and difficulty that a simple "challenge" lacks. An "overwhelming challenge" suggests that the problem is not only difficult but also potentially beyond one's capacity to manage without significant effort or resources.