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 $350 trillion debt mountain and the difficulty in financing it convinces Howell that “the dreaded words” quantitative easing may well be back on the agenda for central banks globally in 2026.

Read more on MarketWatch

But parents with limited English may have difficulty conveying this sentiment to their child.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since announcing her decision to leave, she says other women have spoken to her about the difficulties they face in juggling motherhood and work.

Read more on BBC

Critics see difficulties ensuring data centers are protected against radiation, space debris and weather.

Read more on MarketWatch

The difficulty lies in figuring out how to fulfill these goals in ways that work for you, and continue to work despite the unpredicted.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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