unable to progress

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to progress" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something cannot move forward or make advancements in a task or process. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is currently unable to progress as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Christie's teammate John Eley reached the semi-finals of the same event but was unable to progress.

The Guardian - Sport

"They don't want to introduce reforms because they want your country to remain backward and unable to progress.

The New York Times

Back-to-back defeats to Wales and Australia left the host nation unable to progress from Pool A.

Independent

Though unable to progress in heavy seas and 25-foot waves, they have managed to hold the stricken tanker 65 miles off the coast.

The New York Times

I know of one student who was unable to progress their DPhil as they just couldn't get childcare for the times they needed to be in the lab.

The Guardian

Snowden is believed to be holed up in transit area of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport, having arrived from Hong Kong two week's earlier but unable to progress further.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

For example, it was reported that for one LHD a district wide policy existed in draft form, however this policy was unable to be progressed due to an inability to gain consensus from the area's representative medical staff as to appropriate care guidelines.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

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

The New York Times

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

The Economist

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

The Guardian

A missionary explains to Adam Ewing, son of the American revolution, his idea of a "ladder of civilisation" that will extinguish those races unable to join progress.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to progress", ensure the context clearly indicates what is preventing the progress. Specify the obstacles or reasons hindering advancement for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to progress" without specifying the area or task where progress is halted. Vague usage can confuse the reader. Instead of saying 'The project was unable to progress', specify 'The project was unable to progress due to budget constraints'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to progress" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied or stated noun, indicating a state of being where advancement is not possible. Ludwig AI examples show its use in diverse contexts, from scientific experiments to personal career growth, consistently highlighting a blockage or impediment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to progress" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a situation where forward movement or advancement is not possible. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, with a higher prevalence in scientific, news, and wiki-based sources. When using the phrase, ensure you clearly define what's hindering the progress to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "stuck in place" or "unable to advance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to maintain clarity and context for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stuck in place

Emphasizes a complete standstill or lack of movement.

unable to advance

Focuses specifically on the lack of advancement or forward movement.

cannot move forward

Highlights the impossibility of continuing or proceeding.

at a standstill

Suggests a halt in progress, often due to obstacles.

deadlocked

Implies a situation where progress is blocked due to opposing forces.

hampered

Indicates that progress is being slowed or hindered by external factors.

stalled

Similar to 'at a standstill' but can also suggest a temporary halt.

cannot develop

Focuses on the lack of growth or maturation.

hindered in development

Indicates that development is being obstructed or delayed.

making no headway

Suggests a lack of visible progress despite effort.

FAQs

How can I use "unable to progress" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to progress" to describe a situation where something or someone is not advancing or moving forward. For example: "Due to the technical difficulties, the team was "unable to progress" with the experiment."

What are some alternatives to "unable to progress"?

Some alternatives include "stuck in place", "unable to advance", or "cannot move forward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "unable to progress" or "unable to make progress"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "unable to progress" is often more concise and direct. "Unable to make progress" can be used if you want to emphasize the effort being made without success.

What causes something to be "unable to progress"?

There could be many reasons, like technical issues, financial constraints, lack of resources, or external obstacles. The specific cause should be identified for clear communication.