profound difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "profound difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or challenge that is extremely challenging or complex. Example: "The team faced profound difficulty in meeting the project deadline due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I have a profound difficulty coming to terms with revolutionary means.

The New York Times

For them -- for ordinary Americans -- the reception they get abroad at this time of profound difficulty should be warmer than ever.

The New York Times

But at the least, Dr. Courtney said, the findings show that many parents seeking welfare are having "a profound difficulty balancing the demands of work and parenting".

The New York Times

He said: "The two taken together are evidence of a profound difficulty which the BBC has with people who hold my views".

The Guardian

Empirically minded economists note the profound difficulty of applying the theory when the productivity of individual labour in most organizations is unmeasurable and wage structures are internally connected.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Simon Baron-cites cites one big frustration: if autism comes down to an often profound difficulty navigating the world, only a tiny number of people currently receive the help they need to do that.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

But with that liberation came profound difficulties.

The Guardian - Arts

But he said his business still faced other profound difficulties.

The Guardian

Among our most profound difficulties is making them work together.

The New Yorker

"She is still having profound difficulties singing as a result of the surgery," Mr. Snyder said.

The New York Times

I was faced with a lot of profound difficulties growing up.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "profound difficulty" to describe situations where the challenge is not only significant but also deeply rooted or complex, requiring careful consideration and strategic solutions.

Common error

Avoid using "profound difficulty" when a simpler term like "challenge" or "problem" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "profound difficulty" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a state of being or a situation characterized by significant challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "profound difficulty" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich expression used to describe situations of significant complexity and challenge. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for formal contexts, as evident from its use in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources. While alternatives like "severe challenge" or "significant struggle" exist, "profound difficulty" emphasizes the depth and gravity of the situation. Overusing it in simpler contexts can diminish its impact, so it's crucial to apply it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe challenge

Focuses on the demanding nature of the situation, highlighting the need for significant effort to overcome it.

formidable challenge

Suggests a challenge that is intimidating and requires considerable effort to address, focusing on the perceived strength of the difficulty.

significant struggle

Highlights the effort and exertion required to deal with the difficulty, emphasizing the process rather than the state.

grave problem

Indicates a serious issue that could have significant negative consequences, shifting focus from difficulty to the problem itself.

extreme hardship

Conveys the severe and adverse conditions associated with the difficulty, focusing on the suffering it causes.

deep trouble

This alternative suggests a serious predicament or unfavorable situation, differing in tone by emphasizing immediate consequences.

substantial obstacle

Highlights the obstructive nature of the difficulty, suggesting a barrier that must be overcome.

serious impediment

Emphasizes the hindering or obstructive nature of the difficulty, rather than its depth or complexity.

considerable hurdle

Emphasizes the need to overcome an obstacle, differing in tone by suggesting a specific point of difficulty.

major setback

Focuses on the negative impact or delay caused by the difficulty, rather than its inherent complexity.

FAQs

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

You can use "profound difficulty" to describe situations or challenges that are deeply complex or significant. For instance, "The company experienced "profound difficulty" in adapting to the new market regulations".

What are some alternatives to "profound difficulty"?

Alternatives include "severe challenge", "significant struggle", or "major setback", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "profound difficulty" in formal writing?

Yes, "profound difficulty" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing deeply complex or significant challenges. However, ensure it accurately reflects the gravity of the situation.

What's the difference between "profound difficulty" and "great difficulty"?

"Profound difficulty" suggests a deeper, more complex challenge than "great difficulty". The term "profound" emphasizes the depth and significance of the issue.