overwhelming difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overwhelming difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or task that is extremely challenging or hard to manage. Example: "The project presented an overwhelming difficulty that left the team feeling discouraged and unsure of how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Yet, for many, the single most overwhelming difficulty they report is the "soul-destroying loneliness," as one sailor called it.

The New Yorker

It is the author's willingness to highlight these human qualities of hope and determination in the face of overwhelming difficulty which distinguishes a fascinating and readable book.

The Economist

That seems a sensible approach, and for a woman whose life isn't being hugely compromised by some other overwhelming difficulty, it's probably a fairly easy measure to put into place.

The Guardian - Opinion

What survives today is a manuscript thoroughly reworked by Cage's immaculate hand, entrusted in 1964 to the flutist and conductor Petr Kotik after a planned performance in Warsaw was canceled because of the work's overwhelming difficulty.

The New York Times - Arts

Heroic fascination of an overwhelming difficulty: Joan of Arc tortured to death by clergymen And failure incidental as for Jackie Robinson engaging At one and the same time two worthy difficulties.

The New York Times - Books

This overwhelming difficulty can be circumvented by adopting the scheme of multiscaling and segmentation for modeling progressive damage.

Procedia Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Evidence is growing that the government and military face almost overwhelming difficulties in battling the militants, who now virtually control the tribal areas.

The New York Times

Thus, there are two overwhelming difficulties: risk from the catheterization of the dissected aorta and the accurate and prompt evaluation of NOMI.

Surgical Case Reports

The truth is they are struggling against overwhelming difficulties, and it's exhausting.

Huffington Post

Indigenous participants spoke of the sometimes overwhelming difficulties of constant separation from their families, communities and land.

BMC Nephrology

Yet, despite what were at times overwhelming difficulties, almost all participants reflected on the numerous ways their accident had changed them in some fundamental way, enabling them to become a better or different person.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "overwhelming difficulty", provide specific details to illustrate the nature and scope of the challenge, creating a more vivid and impactful description for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "overwhelming difficulty" for minor inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely present significant obstacles or challenges, ensuring the phrase retains its intended impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overwhelming difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "overwhelming" modifies the noun "difficulty". It describes a situation characterized by a great or unbearable amount of trouble. Ludwig AI confirms this by listing real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overwhelming difficulty" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a significantly challenging situation. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts such as news, scientific articles, and general discussions. Ludwig AI validates the correctness and provides examples of how this phrase is used. To enhance your writing, consider adding specific details when using the phrase, and remember to reserve it for truly significant challenges to maintain its intended impact. Alternatives like "insurmountable obstacle" or "unmanageable problem" can provide nuanced variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

insurmountable obstacle

Emphasizes the impossibility of overcoming the difficulty.

unmanageable problem

Focuses on the inability to handle or control the difficulty.

crippling challenge

Highlights the severely limiting or damaging nature of the difficulty.

debilitating hardship

Stresses the weakening and incapacitating effect of the difficulty.

formidable barrier

Emphasizes the imposing and intimidating nature of the difficulty.

serious impediment

Focuses on the obstructing and hindering nature of the difficulty.

grave complication

Highlights the severe and intricate nature of the difficulty.

extreme adversity

Stresses the highly unfavorable and challenging conditions.

severe setback

Focuses on the delaying and reversing effect of the difficulty.

major tribulation

Emphasizes the suffering and distress caused by the difficulty.

FAQs

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

To use "overwhelming difficulty" effectively, clearly define the context and magnitude of the challenge. For example, "The project presented an "overwhelming difficulty" due to unforeseen technical issues."

What are some alternatives to "overwhelming difficulty"?

Alternatives include "insurmountable obstacle", "unmanageable problem", or "crippling challenge". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an overwhelming difficulty" or "a overwhelming difficulty"?

The correct usage is "an overwhelming difficulty" because "overwhelming" starts with a vowel sound. Remember to use "an" before words that begin with a vowel sound, not just vowels themselves.

What's the difference between "overwhelming difficulty" and "significant challenge"?

"Overwhelming difficulty" implies a sense of being insurmountable or extremely hard to manage, while "significant challenge" simply suggests a task that requires considerable effort and resources. The former is more intense in its connotation.