DictionaryAI

difficult

DIF-i-kuhlt/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/

5 meanings of difficult

Practice

  1. 1
    hardadjective
    Hard to do or understand, needing a lot of effort.

    The last question on the test was really difficult.

    It is difficult to hear the teacher from the back of the room.

    UsageSay more difficult and most difficult. Say it is difficult to do something.

    Similarhard, challenging, tough, demanding, tricky

    Oppositeeasy, simple

  2. 2
    troubledadjective
    Full of trouble or worry, and hard to get through.

    After her dad lost his job, it was a difficult year for the whole family.

    Being alone in a new city with no money is a very difficult situation.

    UsageOften said as difficult times or a difficult year.

    Similarhard, tough, trying, troubled, rough

    Oppositeeasy, happy

    Note
  3. 3
    uncooperativeadjective
    Hard to deal with, because a person or animal will not cooperate.

    Stop being difficult and put your shoes on.

    The pony was difficult all morning and would not take the bit.

    UsagePeople say stop being difficult or don't be difficult to someone who will not cooperate.

    Similaruncooperative, troublesome

    Oppositecooperative, easygoing, accommodating

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    verbobsoletetransitive
    In old use, to make something hard, block its progress, or confuse someone.
    Note
  2. 5
    adjectiveobsolete
    In old use, not able or not willing to do something.
    “I hope, madam,” said Jones, “my charming Lady Bellaston will be as difficult to believe anything against one who is so sensible of the many obligations she hath conferred upon him.”
    1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom JonesHere, difficult means unwilling, so she will be slow to believe anything against him.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of difficult apart? Answer 4 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

It came through Middle English and Old French from Latin difficultas, based on difficilis meaning 'hard to do', built from dis- plus facilis 'easy'.

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts