sustained challenge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sustained challenge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge that is ongoing or persistent over a period of time. Example: "The team faced a sustained challenge in meeting their project deadlines due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Many clubs have used Challenge Cup success as a launchpad for a more sustained challenge at the upper end of the Super League table.

The Guardian - Sport

The first sustained challenge to the authenticity of "Falling Soldier" came in the mid-1970s, in Philip Knightley's book "The First Casualty".

The New York Times - Arts

A Democrat — Elizabeth Warren, Sherrod Brown, Deval Patrick — should give Hillary Clinton a serious, sustained challenge, for her and the party's sake if nothing else.

The New Yorker

Judging from the growing skepticism about the November results, they too appear destined to face sustained challenge, and perhaps to be modified or dismissed as unreliable.

The New York Times

And while small steps are being made towards a sustained challenge for Champions League qualification next season Rodgers is under no illusions about the severity of the task.

Independent

The runners-up Aberdeen, who pushed Celtic close last season before fading, will hope they can mount a more sustained challenge when they start their season with a trip to Dundee United.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Knowing this, actors are drawn to them by the chance to do sustained, challenging work.

The New York Times

Brains, like muscles, start small and grow with sustained, challenging effort.

Johns Hopkins University

This will help us ensure we consistently support work that happens to create long-term impact for larger, sustained challenges in the world.

Forbes

In response to this stress, Christians resort to anger and defensiveness, positioning themselves as victims of religious discrimination and insulating themselves from people and ideas that offer sustained challenges to their beliefs.

Huffington Post

"Ten years ago there was considerable reverence towards, and little questioning of, the ability of banks and bankers to make money or of whether boards demonstrated a sufficient diversity of view and outlook to sustain challenge.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sustained challenge" to describe situations where an effort or difficulty persists over time. It implies that the challenge is not a one-off event, but rather an ongoing process.

Common error

Avoid using "sustained challenge" to describe short-lived or easily overcome obstacles. The key is the element of endurance and persistence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sustained challenge" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes an ongoing difficulty or effort, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sustained challenge" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an ongoing difficulty or effort. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys the persistence and intensity of a challenge. While alternatives like "continuous difficulty" and "prolonged opposition" exist, "sustained challenge" effectively communicates the enduring nature of the situation. Remember to use it when the key aspect is the duration and continuous effort involved. This phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers, fitting well in professional and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuous difficulty

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the difficulty.

prolonged opposition

Focuses on the extended duration of the resistance.

enduring struggle

Highlights the lasting and difficult nature of the effort.

persistent obstacle

Stresses the continuing presence of an impediment.

ongoing trial

Focuses on the continuous testing or hardship.

unrelenting pressure

Highlights the constant and intense force being applied.

long-term adversity

Emphasizes the extended timeframe of the unfavorable situation.

unceasing effort

Highlights the continuous and non-stopping actions to accomplish a goal.

chronic difficulty

Highlights the persistant and recurring presence of trouble.

stubborn impediment

Highlights the difficulty in removing the cause of challenge.

FAQs

What does "sustained challenge" mean?

A "sustained challenge" refers to a difficulty or effort that continues for a considerable period. It implies persistence and endurance in the face of obstacles.

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

You can use it to describe a prolonged effort, such as: "The company faced a "sustained challenge" to maintain its market share during the economic downturn."

What are some alternatives to "sustained challenge"?

Alternatives include "continuous difficulty", "prolonged opposition", or "enduring struggle", depending on the specific context.

Is "sustained challenge" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in professional and news-related writing.