unforeseen difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unforeseen difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a challenge or obstacle that was not anticipated or expected. Example: "We encountered an unforeseen difficulty during the project that delayed our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Months after their wedding, they began trying to start a family — another unforeseen difficulty.

The New York Times

The program is aimed mainly at residents who are unable to keep up with their bills after losing a job or are facing other unforeseen difficulty.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

At that point, Russia encountered unforeseen difficulties.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This, then, is the discouraged, disjointed beast that Michael Chertoff, barring unforeseen difficulties, will soon inherit.

The New Yorker

Although the college was up and running quickly, it promptly encountered unforeseen difficulties.

The New York Times

With their subsequent crash, however, has come a recognition that free-flowing capital can throw up unforeseen difficulties.

The Economist

Even if their marriage is declared legal, unforeseen difficulties may arise, said Maurice Zinken, whose marriage to Charles I. Clement in the Netherlands first inspired the men to marry.

The New York Times

Joe Sullivan, chief security officer at Facebook, said the company was engaged in a "deliberative rollout process," to access and address any unforeseen difficulties.

The New York Times

Even the most detailed of plans is likely to run into unforeseen difficulties in a disaster, so it's helpful if everyone has a common understanding of the overall objectives.

The Guardian

Every IMF programme has involved earnest commitments to improve public finances; all have, sooner or later, been breached amid handwringing about huge, unforeseen difficulties and political problems.In this section Mutually assured destruction?

The Economist

Charles said: "A consequence of this conclusion of the supreme court is that it has, in a time of austerity, imposed major and perhaps unforeseen difficulties and burdens on those responsible for providing, authorising and monitoring the placement and care of a wide range of vulnerable people".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unforeseen difficulty", ensure the context clearly indicates that the problem was genuinely not anticipated. Avoid using it for problems that were foreseeable but overlooked.

Common error

Avoid using "unforeseen difficulty" as a vague or generic excuse for project delays or failures. Always specify the nature of the difficulty to maintain credibility and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unforeseen difficulty" functions as a noun phrase, where "unforeseen" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "difficulty". It describes a type of problem or challenge that was not anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms the expression is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unforeseen difficulty" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes an unanticipated problem or challenge. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and examples from the Ludwig database highlight its usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When employing this phrase, it's best to ensure the difficulty was genuinely unforeseen and to provide specific details rather than using it as a generic excuse. Consider using alternatives like "unexpected obstacle" or "unanticipated problem" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected obstacle

Replaces "difficulty" with a synonym emphasizing the hindering nature of the problem.

unanticipated problem

Substitutes "difficulty" with a more general term, retaining the sense of surprise.

unexpected setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the difficulty, implying a temporary delay.

unforeseen complication

Highlights the entanglement and complexity arising from the unexpected issue.

surprise hurdle

Emphasizes the challenging and unexpected nature of the difficulty.

unpredicted challenge

Replaces both "unforeseen" and "difficulty" with synonyms, maintaining the original meaning.

sudden impediment

Highlights the abrupt and obstructive nature of the difficulty.

chance adversity

Highlights the negative and random aspect of the difficulty.

uncalculated risk

Emphasizes the potential for negative outcomes that were not factored in.

unexpected snag

Suggests a minor, yet unforeseen, problem causing a delay or hindrance.

FAQs

What does "unforeseen difficulty" mean?

The phrase "unforeseen difficulty" refers to a problem or challenge that was not anticipated or predicted. It implies a surprise element that complicates a situation.

What can I say instead of "unforeseen difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected obstacle", "unanticipated problem", or "surprise hurdle" depending on the context.

How to use "unforeseen difficulty" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "Despite careful planning, the project encountered an unforeseen difficulty related to material sourcing."

Is "unforeseen difficulties" grammatically correct?

Yes, "unforeseen difficulties" is grammatically correct. It's the plural form, used when referring to multiple unexpected challenges.