tough deadline

USAGE SUMMARY

"tough deadline" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a time limit that is difficult to meet because of the constraints of the situation. For example: "I'm really feeling the pressure of this tough deadline for my school project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

In a brief interview, he added: "April 1 is a very tough deadline to meet.

The New York Times

"The asterisk was unless you really needed them, when you were on a tough deadline and couldn't get around them or through them".

The New York Times - Tech

But the threat of a missile attack from North Korea or eventually from Iran or Iraq is cited as the main reason the Clinton administration has given itself such a tough deadline.

The New York Times

The head of a new body tasked with repairing the reputation of banking has set the industry a tough deadline to adopt new codes and turn the sector into a respectable profession.

The Guardian - Business

I'm happiest, for example, when I have a tough deadline for a client's recruiting project.

Science Magazine

The WSJ reports that its only chance is correcting its past financial statements by December 14, a tough deadline when you factor in getting an auditor's signature.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The team was stretched, juggling tough deadlines, technical flaws and demands for more data, according to two former employees.

The New York Times

Mr. Kushner said he had been under tough deadlines at the Guthrie, but that all in all, the process there was positive.

The New York Times

On the professional front, Ms. Gadde and her peers are global professionals, interacting with overseas customers, meeting tough deadlines and traveling overseas for work.

The New York Times

Mr. Monti is trying to adhere to tough deadlines that prohibit the companies from making new proposals any later than a month before the deadline for a decision.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, prodded by local airport operators, some House Republicans are trying to push back the law's tough deadlines for instituting new security measures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tough deadline", ensure the context clearly explains why the deadline is challenging (e.g., limited resources, complex requirements).

Common error

Avoid using "tough deadline" repetitively in your writing. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "strict deadline" or "tight deadline" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tough deadline" functions as a noun phrase, where "tough" modifies the noun "deadline". It describes a specific type of deadline that presents significant difficulty. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing challenging situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

17%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tough deadline" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that effectively describes a challenging or difficult time constraint. While Ludwig AI confirms it's not the most frequent expression, it is commonly found in news, general writing and scientific contexts. For writing, it is advisable to provide context for why the deadline is tough, and avoid overusing the phrase by considering alternatives such as "strict deadline" or "tight deadline" to maintain reader interest. Remember that clarity and context are crucial when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strict deadline

Emphasis on the inflexibility of the deadline.

tight deadline

Focuses on the limited amount of time available.

challenging deadline

Highlights the difficulty in meeting the deadline.

demanding deadline

Implies the deadline requires significant effort.

difficult deadline

A more general term for a problematic deadline.

harsh deadline

Conveys a sense of severity associated with the deadline.

rigid deadline

Indicates the deadline cannot be easily changed or adjusted.

severe deadline

Emphasizes the potential consequences of missing the deadline.

impossible deadline

Expresses extreme difficulty or unachievability.

unrealistic deadline

Suggests the deadline is not practically attainable.

FAQs

How can I use "tough deadline" in a sentence?

You can use "tough deadline" to describe a project or task with a challenging time constraint, such as: "We are facing a "tough deadline" to complete this project by the end of the month".

What are some alternatives to "tough deadline"?

Alternatives include "strict deadline", "tight deadline", or "challenging deadline" depending on the specific context.

Is "tough deadline" formal or informal?

"Tough deadline" is generally considered neutral and acceptable in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "stringent deadline" might be preferred in some professional settings.

What makes a deadline "tough"?

A deadline might be considered "tough" due to factors such as limited resources, complex requirements, or an insufficient amount of time to complete the task.