with the utmost difficulty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with the utmost difficulty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is achieved or done with great effort or struggle. Example: "She completed the marathon with the utmost difficulty, pushing through the pain and exhaustion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"And how else should an angel land on earth but with the utmost difficulty?" it said.

The New Yorker

Sea snakes are almost totally helpless on land, locomoting only with the utmost difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is what it said: "And how else should an angel land on earth but with the utmost difficulty?

The New Yorker

His last years were shadowed by the apostasy of his elder son, who, at one stage, defected to the Mughals and was brought back only with the utmost difficulty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She is being generous; the twitching muscles around her mouth indicated a laugh being suppressed with the utmost difficulty.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

But nobody knows the utmost difficulty until he has to write blurbs for poetry: especially when some are to appear in the same catalogue.

The Guardian - Books

Albert Camus, also well known to Mr. Zaretsky, always kept in mind the complexity of political choices, and the utmost difficulty of seeking justice in a violent world.

The New York Times

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "As a trade union, it is our role to offer help and guidance to all our members, whether dealing with success or the utmost difficulties.

BBC

"And how else should an angel land on earth but with utmost difficulty?" it read.

The New Yorker

With their high axial strength but ready slippage between the CNTs, there is utmost difficulty in transferring uniformly any applied force.

Carbon

"With the utmost sincerity, Jayson Williams".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with the utmost difficulty" when you want to emphasize not only the difficulty of a task but also the high degree of effort or struggle required to overcome it. This phrase adds a layer of intensity compared to simpler alternatives like "with difficulty".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "with the utmost difficulty" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was really hard" or "it was a struggle" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with the utmost difficulty" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates the degree of effort, struggle, or hardship involved in accomplishing something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with the utmost difficulty" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to emphasize the high degree of effort or struggle involved in performing an action. While Ludwig indicates the phrase is valid, it's relatively rare, appearing more frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal, and be mindful that it is a stronger statement than the phrase “with difficulty”. Consider using alternatives like "with considerable difficulty" or "with extreme difficulty" if appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with considerable difficulty

Emphasizes a significant level of difficulty.

with extreme difficulty

Highlights the extremity of the difficulty.

with great effort

Focuses on the amount of effort expended.

with maximum effort

Highlights that a maximum effort was needed.

against all odds

Implies success despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

with a struggle

Highlights the battling nature to get to the result.

barely managing to

Focuses on the narrow margin of success.

by the skin of one's teeth

Idiomatic expression emphasizing a very narrow escape or success.

with painstaking effort

Highlights the meticulous and careful nature of the effort.

with Herculean effort

Alludes to the immense strength and effort required, like that of Hercules.

FAQs

What does "with the utmost difficulty" mean?

It means something was achieved or done with a very high degree of effort, struggle, or hardship.

Is "with the utmost difficulty" interchangeable with "with great difficulty"?

While similar, "with the utmost difficulty" emphasizes a higher degree of effort and struggle than "with great difficulty". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

What are some alternatives to "with the utmost difficulty"?

You can use alternatives like "with considerable difficulty", "with extreme difficulty", or "with great effort" depending on the context.

How can I use "with the utmost difficulty" in a sentence?

Example: "She completed the project "with the utmost difficulty", working long hours and overcoming numerous obstacles."