difficulty

[ dif-i-kuhl-tee, -kuhl-tee ]

/ ˈdɪf ɪˌkʌl ti, -kəl ti /

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noun, plural dif·fi·cul·ties.

the fact or condition of being difficult.

Often difficul·ties. an embarrassing situation, especially of financial affairs.

a trouble or struggle.

a cause of trouble, struggle, or embarrassment.

a disagreement or dispute.

reluctance; unwillingness.

a demur; objection.

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

Nearby words

Origin of difficulty

1350–1400; Middle English difficulte (< Anglo-French) < Latin difficultās, equivalent to difficil(is) difficile + -tās -ty²

SYNONYMS FOR difficulty

2. dilemma, predicament, quandary, plight, fix, exigency, strait. 3. problem.

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Related formspre·dif·fi·cul·ty, noun, plural pre·dif·fi·cul·ties.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for difficulties

Any difficulties we experience now are not as horrible as the constant fear of bombs.
Where Chechens Go to Escape Their Surreal Past—and Risky Present|Anna Nemtsova|December 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In July 2013, I questioned Cipriani about the difficulties had while trying to open Bomba.
The Battle to Be King of Ibiza Nightlife|Melanie Mendelewitsch|October 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But despite all the difficulties, the Omrans consider themselves among the lucky ones.
Beating Cancer & Dodging Israel's Bombs|Itay Hod|September 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“It all comes from the difficulties of working with Bjork on Dancer in the Dark,” said Skarsgard.
Lars von Trier Breaks His Vow of Silence to Discuss ‘Nymphomaniac’ in Venice|Marlow Stern|September 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST

New York took over as the epicenter of fashion due to the difficulties communicating with France during the war.
How World Wars Made Females More Androgynous|Liza Foreman|July 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
I could not help wishing that I had gone with them, to share the difficulties and dangers they might meet.
The Wanderers|W.H.G. Kingston
It set him thinking that it might be a prudish strain in the young man's mind, due to the System in difficulties.
The Ordeal of Richard Feverel, Complete|George Meredith
Night and day he had been examining evidence, pondering the difficulties to be overcome, and the chances of success.
The Catholic World, Vol. X, October 1869|Various
The transportation of certain kinds of seeds over long distances, especially on sea voyages, is often beset with difficulties.
The Nursery Book|Liberty Hyde Bailey
That there are difficulties in the way of believing thus, I grant; that there are impossibilities, I deny.
Hope of the Gospel|George MacDonald

British Dictionary definitions for difficulties

difficulty

/ (ˈdɪfɪkəltɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the state or quality of being difficult

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

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

a dispute or disagreement

(often plural) an objection or obstaclehe always makes difficulties

a trouble or source of trouble; worry

lack of ease; awkwardnesshe could run only with difficulty

Word Origin for difficulty

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for difficulties

difficulty

late 14c., from Old French difficulté, from Latin difficultatem (nominative difficultas) "difficulty, distress, poverty," from difficilis "hard," from dis- "not, away from" (see dis-) + facilis "easy" (see facile).

difficulty

noun, plural dif·fi·cul·ties.

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Nearby words

Origin of difficulty

Examples from the Web for difficulties

difficulty

noun plural -ties

Word Origin for difficulty

difficulty