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View synonyms for difficulty

difficulty

[ dif-i-kuhl-tee ]

noun

, plural dif·fi·cul·ties.
  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



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Other Words From

  • pre·dif·fi·cul·ty noun plural predifficulties

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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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of difficulty1

C14: from Latin difficultās, from difficilis difficult, from dis- not + facilis easy, facile

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Example Sentences

She couldn't even explain the difficulty, just that it was hard.

The importance and difficulty of playing the position have never been questioned, nor has the scarcity of elite talent.

“People with big faces may have difficulty getting the mask to cover their nose and mouth completely when they do the knot, so you really have to look around and find a technique that works well for you,” Brooks said.

Even so, the recall might have gone nowhere had it not been for a judge’s decision to give organizers almost double the normal amount of time to collect signatures in light of the difficulties posed by the pandemic.

Without some clarity and long-term planning, brands could face more difficulty going forward.

From Digiday

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.

But,” said the prime minister of Flatland, starting a difficulty, “who is to be greatest chief?

The difficulty of educating handlers of bills in distant places as to American credits.

The Duke found no difficulty in awakening the wishes, which were necessary to his scheme, in the mind of young Lorraine.

Add to this, if you please, the great difficulty of obtaining from them even the words that they have.

Judge for yourself the difficulty surrounding the remainder of the symbols and fundamental truths of christianity.

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difficultdiffidence