perennial challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perennial challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a problem or difficulty that is ongoing and consistently reoccurs over time. Example: "Climate change remains a perennial challenge for governments and organizations worldwide."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

A perennial challenge.

The New York Times

One perennial challenge pianists face is making a percussive instrument sing, as Ms. Uchida does seamlessly.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a perennial challenge to clearly identify who's speaking without lumbering the exchange with repetitious words.

The Guardian - Books

A perennial challenge in polling is gathering responses from enough people to support meaningful conclusions.

The New Yorker

Wilson's perennial challenge is to make the balls identical -- and durable, yet lively.

The New York Times

Maintaining a premier academic institution that is free has been a perennial challenge throughout the college's storied history.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Then there are the perennial challenges that are a part of urban life, like graffiti.

The New York Times

While Washington can also be accused of missing opportunities, "The Twilight War" correctly emphasizes one of the perennial challenges in dealing with Iran: The men who actually run Tehran — the Revolutionary Guards and hard-line clergy — are largely inaccessible.

The New York Times - Books

One of the dangers in the world of aid is the constant invention (and sometimes reinvention) of mechanisms that development practitioners convince themselves will overcome the perennial challenges and problems associated with delivery.

The Guardian

Besides persistent stock-outs, fears of side effects, and religious and cultural factors, family planning uptake is also held back by a "weak health system with the perennial challenges of inadequate and less motivated human resources for health", argues Mugirwa.

The Guardian

A number of 2014 stories suggest that along with its perennial challenges of gender discrimination and ethics, the media is now following the well-worn path to disaster that other industries have trodden: a push to cut costs and maximize revenues, which works out well for no one except maybe a few short-term investors.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about long-term difficulties, consider using "perennial challenge" to add depth and emphasize the enduring nature of the problem.

Common error

Avoid using "perennial challenge" when a simpler term like "challenge" or "problem" is sufficient. Reserve it for situations where the recurring nature is a key aspect of the issue. Consider other alternatives, such as "ongoing struggle" or "longstanding issue", depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perennial challenge" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies a specific type of difficulty or problem, emphasizing its recurring or long-lasting nature. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "perennial challenge" is a common and correct way to describe a recurring or persistent problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in written English. It effectively emphasizes the enduring nature of the difficulty. While it's appropriate for many contexts, overuse should be avoided by considering alternatives like "ongoing struggle" or "persistent difficulty". Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it versatile across various writing styles. Remember to reserve "perennial challenge" for situations where the recurring aspect is a key element of the issue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enduring challenge

Stresses the lasting and resilient nature of the difficulty.

persistent difficulty

Emphasizes the enduring nature of the problem.

long-standing issue

Indicates that the problem has existed for a significant period.

continuous difficulty

Emphasizes the lack of interruption in the problem.

ongoing struggle

Focuses on the continuous effort required to overcome the difficulty.

constant struggle

Focuses on the continuous effort required to overcome the difficulty.

chronic problem

Implies a deeply ingrained and often intractable issue.

recurring obstacle

Highlights the cyclical appearance of the hurdle.

everlasting problem

Highlights that the problem will always exist.

unending obstacle

Highlights that the obstacle has no foreseeable end.

FAQs

What does "perennial challenge" mean?

A "perennial challenge" refers to a problem or difficulty that consistently reoccurs or persists over a long period. It's something that isn't easily resolved and keeps coming back.

How can I use "perennial challenge" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe issues that are ongoing and difficult to eradicate. For example, "Maintaining customer satisfaction is a "perennial challenge" for many businesses."

What are some alternatives to "perennial challenge"?

Alternatives include "ongoing struggle", "persistent difficulty", or "recurring obstacle". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "perennial challenge" and "eternal challenge"?

"Perennial challenge" implies a recurring issue, while "eternal challenge" suggests a never-ending one. While similar, "perennial" suggests recurrence over time, whereas "eternal" indicates something without any end in sight.