difficult to surpass

/ˈdɪfɪkəlt tuː səˈpɑːs/
phraseIntermediate
formal

Extremely challenging to exceed or outperform

The athlete's record was difficult to surpass, standing for over a decade.

The athlete's record was so impressive that no one could beat it for many years.

The quality of this product is difficult to surpass in the market.

This product's quality is so high that few competitors can match it.

💡

Often used to describe records, achievements, or standards that are exceptionally high.

Collocations

difficult to surpass recordan exceptionally high record that is hard to beatdifficult to surpass qualitya level of quality that is hard to match

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

hard to beatphrase
difficult to surpass or outperform
set a new standardphrase
to establish a benchmark that is difficult to surpass

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use this phrase when describing something that is exceptionally high in quality or achievement, making it difficult for others to match or exceed.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

This phrase is strong and should be used for genuinely exceptional cases, not for minor achievements.

📖Word Origin

Combination of 'difficult' (hard to do) and 'surpass' (to exceed or outperform). The phrase emphasizes the extreme challenge of achieving something better.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in competitive contexts, such as sports, business, or academic achievements, to describe something that is exceptionally hard to outperform.

Word Breakdown

difficult
hard to do or achieve
adjective
+
to surpass
to exceed or outperform
infinitive verb phrase
English Dictionary