unmanageable task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unmanageable task" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a task that is too difficult or overwhelming to handle effectively. For example, "The project turned into an unmanageable task due to its complexity." Alternative expressions include "overwhelming task" and "insurmountable task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Reading and extracting pertinent information from those articles has become an unmanageable task for scientists.

Procedia Computer Science

But by turning the role into an unmanageable task we risk alienating those with the passion and skill to succeed.

The Guardian

On the practicalities, Hughes commented: "It looks to me as if it may be an unmanageable task.

The Guardian - Tech

By having each private company assume responsibility for its corner of the Internet, the government effectively outsources the otherwise unmanageable task of monitoring the billions of e-mail messages, news stories and chat postings that circulate every day in China.

The New York Times - Magazine

Several lawmakers described the message from law enforcement experts as telling them to simply use common sense but that protecting all 535 members of Congress from largely unpredictable threats was a somewhat unmanageable task.

The New York Times

Several lawmakers described the message from law enforcement experts as telling them to use common sense, and that protecting all 535 members of Congress from largely unpredictable threats was a somewhat unmanageable task.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Goddard declined to appear before MPs to explain her sudden resignation and instead sent a 10-page critique in which she claimed the inquiry was facing an unmanageable and impossible task.

The Guardian

"When an organisation is overburdened by an unmanageable number of tasks, things go wrong.

The Guardian

This system is not for the faint-hearted or casual user, but rather for someone with an overwhelming inbox, a nearly unmanageable amount of tasks hidden in email messages, and the willingness to learn a new way of interacting with your productivity applications.

TechCrunch

On the other hand, for a very low granularity DFG, the number of tasks in a DFG of great size explodes, and the communications between tasks become unmanageable.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

The introduction to Adam Phillips's new book is titled Freud's Impossible Life, and the author makes clear more than once his view that the biographer's task is an unmanageable one.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing a task that seems like an "unmanageable task", break it down into smaller, more achievable steps to make it less daunting.

Common error

While "unmanageable task" is appropriate in some contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "overwhelming task" or "insurmountable task" to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unmanageable task" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "unmanageable" modifies the noun "task". Ludwig AI confirms its use to describe something difficult to control or handle.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unmanageable task" is a grammatically sound and neutrally registered phrase used to describe a task that is too difficult or overwhelming to handle. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it appears in News & Media and Scientific contexts. To avoid repetition, consider alternatives like "overwhelming task" or "impossible undertaking". When used appropriately, it effectively conveys the challenge and scale of a particular assignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible undertaking

Emphasizes the infeasibility and lack of possibility in completing the task.

insurmountable challenge

Highlights the difficulty in overcoming the task, positioning it as a significant obstacle.

overwhelming responsibility

Focuses on the burden and scale of the task, suggesting it is too much to handle.

uncontrollable project

Indicates a lack of oversight and direction, making the project difficult to steer.

formidable assignment

Stresses the demanding nature of the task, implying it requires great effort and skill.

herculean effort

This refers to task requiring immense strength, courage, or effort, similar to the labors of Hercules

unachievable goal

Implies that the task is unrealistic and cannot be accomplished.

unfeasible endeavor

Highlights the impracticality and lack of viability in pursuing the task.

untenable situation

Suggests the task is unsustainable and cannot be maintained in the long term.

impractical obligation

This underscores that the task is not suitable or sensible for the given circumstances.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unmanageable task" in a sentence?

Use "unmanageable task" to describe a task that's too difficult or overwhelming to handle. For instance, "The project became an "unmanageable task" due to its complexity".

What are some alternatives to "unmanageable task"?

You can use alternatives like "overwhelming task", "impossible undertaking", or "insurmountable challenge" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unmanageable task" or "difficult task"?

"Unmanageable task" implies a task is beyond one's ability to control or handle, while "difficult task" simply means it requires effort. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of challenge.

When is it appropriate to describe something as an "unmanageable task"?

It's appropriate when the task has grown to a scale or complexity that makes it difficult or impossible to handle with the available resources or skills. For instance, "Managing the influx of data became an "unmanageable task" without proper tools".