persistent difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

"persistent difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any problem that has been going on for a long period of time and seems difficult to resolve. For example, "The family has been facing persistent difficulty in finding a suitable school for their child."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The Persistent Difficulty of 2007-2010 doesn't really do it for me.

The Economist

Among those added in DSM-5 is "hoarding disorder", defined as "persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of actual value".

The Guardian

China's state-controlled media for the first time acknowledged today the government's persistent difficulty in stamping out the banned Falun Gong spiritual movement, even as fresh allegations emerged about police brutality toward its practitioners in detention.

The New York Times

But he has a bigger point to make, regarding Malick's entire career—"Malick has had persistent difficulty doing feeling"—complaining, for instance, that "Days of Heaven" was insufficiently emotional.

The New Yorker

One reason that this possibility has found its way into so little of the press coverage, I suspect, is that the media has persistent difficulty recognizing that there are swing voters who lean rightward on the social issues (broadly defined to include immigration as well as abortion, gay marriage, etc).

The New York Times

Therefore, it remains a persistent difficulty to accurately predict laminate failure under combined loading by using either unidirectional composite (ply) data or with basic constituent material properties.

Multi-Scale Modelling of Composite Material Systems The Art of Predictive Damage Modelling

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

A few othersface persistent difficulties and receive ongoing help, say officials at the agencies the fund supports.

The New York Times

Still, Citigroup's results were dampened by largely stagnant revenue growth in the consumer banking unit and persistent difficulties in Asia and Latin America.

The New York Times

I think that, if we look closely, we find that much of their strength derives from the internal and the timeless from conflicts rooted in the perversity of human nature and the persistent difficulties of social life.

The New Yorker

Underlying issues such as "the lack of youth clubs, employment, affordable housing" all came to the fore back then, but Okewale suggests that these persistent difficulties require a much more sophisticated response from government.

The Guardian

I think that, if we look closely, we find that much of their strength derives from the internal and the timeless — from conflicts rooted in the perversity of human nature and the persistent difficulties of social life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be precise and use "persistent difficulty" when you want to clearly state something has been challenging and unresolved over a notable period, rather than temporary.

Common error

Avoid using "persistent difficulty" to describe short-term or easily resolved issues. This phrase emphasizes the long-lasting and challenging nature of a problem; if it's easily fixed, a different term would be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "persistent difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sustained and challenging problem. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

29%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "persistent difficulty" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a long-lasting and challenging problem. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, particularly in academic, news, and professional contexts. When writing, use this phrase to emphasize that an issue has been ongoing and requires sustained attention, but avoid using it for temporary setbacks. Alternatives like "ongoing struggle" or "chronic issue" may be suitable depending on the specific context. The term is used across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, underscoring its acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ongoing struggle

Focuses on the continuous nature of the effort against a problem.

continuing challenge

Stresses that the difficulty remains and requires effort to overcome.

chronic issue

Highlights the long-term and recurring nature of the problem.

lingering complication

Indicates a difficulty that persists beyond an initial event or situation.

consistent impediment

Focuses on the steady and obstructive nature of the difficulty.

unresolved problem

Emphasizes that the difficulty has not been successfully addressed.

recurrent setback

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the difficulty.

enduring hardship

Focuses on the sustained and difficult nature of the experience.

nagging concern

Highlights the persistent and bothersome nature of the difficulty.

protracted adversity

Highlights the extended duration and challenging nature of the difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "persistent difficulty" to describe a problem that continues to exist or happen. For instance, "The company has a "persistent difficulty" in attracting young workers".

What are some alternatives to "persistent difficulty"?

Alternatives include "ongoing struggle", "chronic issue", or "unresolved problem", depending on the context.

What does "persistent" mean in "persistent difficulty"?

In "persistent difficulty", "persistent" means continuing to exist or occur over a prolonged period.

Is there a difference between "difficulty" and "persistent difficulty"?

"Difficulty" refers to a general problem, whereas "persistent difficulty" indicates that the problem has been ongoing and is not easily resolved. It suggests a more serious and long-lasting issue.