When writing or presenting your academic research, it is often necessary to discuss limitations and negative outcomes in a formal manner. The phrases below will be useful for doing this.

Useful phrases and grammatical structures

We can use the present perfect with ‘yet’ to show that an action is incomplete.

The technology has not yet been widely operationalised.

The trials have not yet been finalised.

We can use passive forms to discuss negative outcomes

The research project was inhibited by poor communication with key stakeholders.

Data gathering was adversely affected by the weather.

We can also use the following phrases to talk about something that has not performed well enough.

The programme still does not meet the demands of the workplace.

The updated model is yet to meet expectations.

The treatment has failed to have the desired effect.

Only 12% reached the expected level.

A mere 9% reached the desired level.

Nouns for talking about limitations and negative outcomes

Barrier (meaning: something that stops people from being able to work together or communicate).

• These verbs are often used with this noun: eliminate, overcome, reduce, remove
• These adjectives are often used with this noun: social, financial, cultural, psychological, technical

In order to overcome cultural barriers, more widespread positive communication is needed.

Challenge (meaning: something that is difficult to deal with)

• These verbs are often used with this noun: create, pose, present, face, address, confront, meet, tackle, overcome
• These adjectives are often used with this noun: formidable, real, significant, main, key, technical, physical, logistical

One of the key challenges faced by researchers in this particular field is the acquisition of funding.

 Complexity (meaning: how complicated something is)

• These adjectives are often used with this noun: added, increasing, considerable, sheer, legal, political, technical, structural
• These verbs are often used with this noun: underestimate, highlight, illustrate, demonstrate, show, struggle with
• It is often followed by the preposition ‘of’ and a noun such as: issue, problem, situation, task, process

Due to the sheer complexity of the problem, we were unable to find a clear solution.

Our findings highlighted the considerable complexity of this issue.

Constraints (meaning: something that stops you from doing what you want to do)

• These adjectives are often used with this noun: severe, significant, financial, legal, physical, practical
• These nouns are often used with this noun: time, space, budget
• These verbs are often used with this noun: face, overcome, remove, impose

The severe time constraints had a negative effect on data collection.

Disconnect (meaning: a lack of connection)

This noun is usually followed by the preposition ‘between’

The disconnect between state and regional guidance is considerable.

Marginalisation (also: marginalization) (meaning: when someone is prevented from having influence, power or importance)

The marginalisation of rural communities has poor economic growth.

Ratio (meaning: the connection or relationship between two amounts or numbers)

These adjectives are often used with this noun: poor, low, insufficient, favourable, high, optimum

The success ratio for this particular technique was lower than anticipated.

Risk (meaning: the idea or possibility that something negative might happen)

These adjectives are often used with this noun: high, significant, substantial, considerable, increased, higher, low, negligible, slight, environmental, financial, health, political

Use of this particular method comes with substantial risks to the patient.

uncertainty (meaning: a feeling of being unsure about a situation OR a nervous or worried feeling when you think something bad might happen)

• These adjectives are often used with this noun: real, significant, considerable, financial, political, environmental
• These verbs are often used with this noun: create, cause, result in, eliminate, minimise, reduce, add to, compound

It is important to provide clear pathways to treatment in the face of considerable uncertainty.

Adjectives for talking about limitations and negative outcomes

Insufficient/not sufficient (meaning: there is not enough of something)

These nouns are often used with this adjective: data, evidence, emphasis, funding, resources

There is insufficient evidence to support their claim.

Labour-intensive (meaning: a process that requires a lot of work or physical effort)

The process is too labour-intensive to be financially viable.

Poorly developed (meaning: when something has not reached a good level of development because it has not received enough attention, practice or input)

A poorly developed infrastructure has had a negative impact on social mobility.

Unsupportive (meaning: not supportive)

An unsupportive management team has limited progress within the organisation.

Verbs for talking about limitations and negative outcomes

To lack (to not have enough or to not have any of something)

These nouns are often used with this verb: resources, knowledge, experience, power, motivation, clarity

The current team lack experience in dealing with complex cases.

The word ‘lack’ can also be used as a noun (followed by the preposition ‘of’) with the following adjectives: severe, serious, chronic, complete, notable, general

There is a severe lack of trained staff.

The below extract from an article contains examples of language for expressing limitations and negative outcomes.

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