difficulty

American  

[dif-i-kuhl-tee] / ˈdɪf ɪˌkʌl ti /

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.

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difficulty British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• predifficulty noun

Etymology

Origin of difficulty

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

Example Sentences

If your relationship goes south, or you hit difficulties adjusting, you will be a long way from home.

From MarketWatch

Alongside that difficulty are some of the most enjoyable times to be a cricketer for Australia.

From BBC

Hannah Shimko, managing director of the Gift Card and Voucher Association, said the vast majority of gift cards were bought with no difficulty and "are supported by established consumer protections".

From BBC

The budget difficulties have raised red flags since they are coming in a time of economic growth, and as the artificial-intelligence boom lifts compensation for California’s tech workers, boosting income taxes.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of the recent incidents “highlight the difficulties the Americans will now face in distinguishing meaningfully between forces of the new Syrian government and ISIS,” Heller said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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