unable to make progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to make progress" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone or something is not advancing or improving in a task or goal. Example: "Despite our best efforts, we found ourselves unable to make progress on the project due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Trapped either in stagnant repression or cycles of strife, they are unable to make progress.

The Economist

Unable to make progress with the Archdiocese, the parents have focused their animus on Father O'Brien.

The New York Times

However hard he pedalled, he was unable to make progress and was forced to admit defeat.

The Guardian

Where this understanding exists, many are unable to make progress on implementing all of the measures across the whole estate.

The Guardian

Critics saw him as the default choice of a hampered committee unable to make progress because it had gone eight months without a staff director.

The New York Times

This fiasco has left the planning system in limbo, with councils and developers unable to make progress on their local plans.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Despite those warnings, the special committee has been unable to make much progress.

The New York Times

He then marched his army toward Egypt and captured Ramla, but he was unable to make further progress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was always the anxiety that we would be unable to make significant progress on our project as time was definitely not on our side.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If we are unable to make rapid progress with these new arrangements, I will not hesitate to use my powers to intervene further.

The Guardian

This technique, however, left him rich in vocabulary but unable to make real progress without a real understanding of the patterns and structures that held the language together.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to make progress", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific progress is being hindered. Be precise about the area or task where advancement is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to make progress" without specifying the area or goal. Saying 'the project is unable to make progress' is less effective than 'the project is unable to make progress due to funding constraints'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to make progress" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun, indicating a state of being where advancement or improvement is not possible. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to make progress" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a situation where advancement or improvement is halted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While the phrase itself is neutral, ensuring clarity by specifying what progress is hindered is crucial. Consider using synonyms like "stuck in place" or "making no headway" depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making no progress

A more direct and concise rephrasing of the original phrase.

unable to advance

Focuses specifically on the lack of forward movement, omitting the 'making' aspect of progress.

unable to move forward

Emphasizes the inability to proceed, highlighting the positional aspect of progress.

cannot proceed

Emphasizes the impossibility of continuing, focusing on the action of progressing.

making no headway

An idiomatic expression that conveys a similar meaning of lacking advancement, with a slightly less formal tone.

impeded from advancing

Highlights the presence of obstacles preventing progress, adding a layer of causation.

stuck in place

Highlights the static nature of the situation, implying a lack of any movement or progress.

at a standstill

Suggests a complete cessation of progress, often used in more formal contexts.

unable to achieve results

Shifts the focus to the lack of tangible outcomes or accomplishments.

getting nowhere

An informal expression that signifies a lack of achievement or advancement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "unable to make progress" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "impeded from advancing", "at a standstill", or "cannot proceed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are some informal alternatives to "unable to make progress"?

If you're aiming for a less formal tone, you could use phrases such as "getting nowhere" or "stuck in place".

In what situations is it appropriate to use "unable to make progress"?

The phrase "unable to make progress" is suitable for describing situations where there is a clear lack of advancement or improvement towards a specific goal. This can apply to projects, personal development, negotiations, or any other endeavor where forward movement is expected.

What is the difference between "unable to make progress" and "making no headway"?

While both phrases convey a lack of advancement, "making no headway" is an idiomatic expression that often implies a struggle against obstacles. "Unable to make progress" is a more direct and neutral statement of fact.