difficulty

noun

DIF-i-kuhl-tee/ˈdɪfɪkəlti/

Pluraldifficulties (some meanings)

6 meanings of difficulty

1
noununcountable
The quality of something being hard to do.
Like trying to push a heavy door that just won't open easily.
She finished the puzzle with great difficulty.
The difficulty of the test surprised the whole class.
Similareffort, trouble, complexity
Oppositeease, simplicity
2
nouncountable
Something that gets in the way and makes reaching a goal hard.
Like a fallen tree blocking the road you want to travel.
We hit a difficulty when the only bridge was closed.
Money difficulties forced them to sell the house.
Similarproblem, obstacle, trouble, hurdle
3
nouncountable
An awkward situation, or an argument between people.
Like a sore spot between two friends after a fight.
There was a difficulty between the two neighbors over the fence.
They had some difficulties after the argument at dinner.
Similardisagreement, quarrel, dispute, misunderstanding
4
noununcountableplural
Danger from your surroundings, especially the risk of drowning.
Like being caught in a strong current that pulls you away from the shore.
A swimmer in difficulty waved for help near the rocks.
The boat got into difficulty when the storm hit.
Similardistress, trouble, danger, peril
5
nouncountable
A reason someone gives against an idea or plan.
Like raising your hand to say, 'But wait, what about this part?'
She raised a difficulty with the committee's proposal.
The lawyer pointed out several difficulties with the contract.
Similarobjection, problem, issue, concern, reservation
6
nouncountable
Something that is hard to understand or believe.
Like a riddle with a part that just doesn't make sense.
The puzzle had one difficulty that no one could explain.
There are a few difficulties in his story that don't add up.
Similarproblem, puzzle

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of difficulty apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

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