unexpected difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a challenge or problem that arises unexpectedly, often in contexts such as projects, tasks, or personal experiences. Example: "We encountered an unexpected difficulty during the project that delayed our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

But there was one unexpected difficulty: the dictionaries.

The New York Times - Tech

In the 20th century, such rationalism met with a new and unexpected difficulty presented by quantum mechanics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When it came to it, it might even have been better for Barcelona too – the unexpected difficulty making celebrations more meaningful somehow – and there was triumph in their response, which had been superb.

The Guardian - Sport

Acknowledging that the American-led counterinsurgency effort was facing unexpected difficulty, Mr. Panetta said that the Taliban and their allies had little motive to contemplate a power-sharing arrangement in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

The drug agency has told doctors who use the toxin to give patients and their caregivers information about the signs and symptoms of adverse effects and the need to seek "immediate medical attention if they have worsening or unexpected difficulty swallowing or talking, trouble breathing or muscle weakness".

The New York Times

In the event that some unexpected difficulty should develop, labeling would facilitate identification of the problem.

Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture Economics and Politics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

It has also faced unexpected difficulties.

The Economist

I know your progress has come with unfilled expectations and unexpected difficulties.

The New York Times

"Naomi and I are having unexpected difficulties in our relationship," he said.

The Guardian - Books

Even when state legislatures have acted, they have often encountered unexpected difficulties.

The New York Times

The American mediator had to extend his visit because of unexpected difficulties.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about projects or plans, use "unexpected difficulty" to clearly indicate a problem that was not anticipated, distinguishing it from known or potential challenges.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected difficulty" to describe challenges that were already anticipated or planned for; reserve it for truly unforeseen issues. If the problem was foreseeable use the term "anticipated difficulty".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected difficulty" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "difficulty". As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a correct and usable expression. It typically identifies a specific problem or challenge encountered.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unexpected difficulty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe unforeseen challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is valid and applicable across various forms of writing. Its primary function is to inform about an unanticipated problem. The term's frequency is classified as uncommon and is found most often in science and news media sources. When using this phrase, ensure it truly represents an unforeseen issue, distinguishing it from challenges that were expected. Consider using synonyms like "unforeseen obstacle" or "unanticipated problem" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen obstacle

Replaces "difficulty" with "obstacle" emphasizing the obstruction aspect.

unanticipated problem

Substitutes "difficulty" with "problem", a more general term for an issue.

surprise setback

Uses "setback" to highlight the hindering effect of the difficulty, while "surprise" emphasizes the unexpected nature.

unpredicted complication

Employs "complication" to suggest an added layer of complexity caused by the unexpected event.

sudden hitch

Replaces both words with synonyms that suggest a more abrupt and temporary issue.

unlooked-for snag

Snag implies a small, unexpected problem, preserving the sense of surprise.

chance impediment

Impediment highlights something that hinders progress, while chance emphasizes randomness.

abrupt hurdle

Uses "hurdle" to signify something to overcome, "abrupt" emphasizes the suddenness.

out-of-the-blue challenge

An idiomatic alternative emphasizing the sudden and surprising nature of the difficulty.

unforeseen adversity

Adversity suggests a more serious and prolonged difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "unexpected difficulty" to describe a problem that arose without prior warning. For example, "The project faced an unexpected difficulty due to the weather conditions."

What is a good synonym for "unexpected difficulty"?

Alternatives to "unexpected difficulty" include "unforeseen obstacle", "unanticipated problem", or "surprise setback" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "unexpected difficulty" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and clearly conveys the meaning of an unforeseen problem.

What's the difference between "unexpected difficulty" and "anticipated difficulty"?

"Unexpected difficulty" refers to a problem that could not be foreseen, while "anticipated difficulty" describes a problem that was expected or prepared for.