difficulty
[dif-i-kuhl-tee, -kuhl-tee]
- 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.
Show More
Origin of difficulty
Synonyms
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
predicamentcomplicationdilemmahardshiphazardsnagobstaclestrugglefrustrationpaintroubledeadlockcrisisadversitystressanxietyembarrassmentinconveniencesetbackstrifeExamples from the Web for difficulty
Contemporary Examples
The difficulty with Mr. Redford is, you see, as I understand it, he gets one million dollars a picture.
I do realize the difficulty in totally canceling productions of this opera.
The battle to secure that funding is testament to the difficulty in making truly independent movies.
Mary and Tom are concerned for Cumming, too, “as in the past there has been difficulty.”
The fewer diagnostic criteria required to call a person impaired, the more “any difficulty whatsoever” can be deemed impairment.
Historical Examples
Mr. Paine looked up as he entered, and had no difficulty in guessing his errand.
Brave and BoldHoratio Alger
She managed it with difficulty between the convulsions that were rending her.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
But there is one difficulty which it is impossible to remove.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
He climbed down with difficulty, clutching one hand with the other.
Way of the LawlessMax Brand
You think of your wife, grappling with a kind of difficulty to which she is unaccustomed.
The Conquest of FearBasil King
difficulty
- 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
Show More
Word Origin
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 difficulty
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper