difficulty

[dif-i-kuhl-tee]

noun

plural

difficulties 

1. the fact or condition of being difficult.

2. Often difficulties. an embarrassing situation, especially of financial affairs.

   Synonyms: strait, exigency, fix, plight, quandary, predicament, dilemma

3. a trouble or struggle.

   Synonyms: problem

4. a cause of trouble, struggle, or embarrassment.

5. a disagreement or dispute.

6. reluctance; unwillingness.

7. a demur; objection.

8. something that is hard to do, understand, or surmount; an impediment or obstacle.

difficulty

/ ˈdɪfɪkəltɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being difficult

2. a task, problem, etc, that is hard to deal with

3. (often plural) a troublesome or embarrassing situation, esp a financial one

4. a dispute or disagreement

5. (often plural) an objection or obstacle

   he always makes difficulties

6. a trouble or source of trouble; worry

7. lack of ease; awkwardness

   he could run only with difficulty

Other Word Forms

• predifficulty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of difficulty¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English difficulte, from Anglo-French, from Latin difficultās, equivalent to difficil(is) difficile + -tās -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of difficulty¹

C14: from Latin difficultās, from difficilis difficult, from dis- not + facilis easy, _facile

Example Sentences

The uncertainty and difficulties that have followed Sterling's career for 12 months show no sign of relenting.

From BBC

She often sees difficulties as bigger than I see them.

From Los Angeles Times

She became a music teacher at Wansbeck Primary School in Kingston upon Hull, which has a progressive programme for the inclusion of children with learning difficulties.

From BBC

The court heard his legal team had faced significant difficulties being allowed access to their client in prison, facing weeks-long waits to visit him in person or hold conferences over videolink.

From BBC

The UK's steel industry has faced major financial difficulties in recent years due to high energy prices, increased tariffs and a glut of steel in the global market.

From BBC

Related Words

• anxiety 
• complication 
• crisis 
• embarrassment 
• frustration 
• inconvenience 
• misery 
• predicament 
• pressure 
• setback 
• stress 
• strife 
• struggle 
• trouble 
• worry