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Definitions

difficulty

[dif-i-kuhl-tee] / ˈdɪf ɪˌkʌl ti /
NOUN
problem; situation requiring great effort
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adversity complication crisis deadlock dilemma frustration hardship hazard obstacle pain predicament snag struggle trouble
STRONG
arduousness awkwardness barricade check crux distress emergency exigency fix hindrance hitch impasse knot labor laboriousness mess misfortune muddle obstruction painfulness paradox perplexity pickle quagmire quandary scrape stew strain strait strenuousness tribulation
WEAK
dead end deep water hot water stumbling block
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advantage aid assistance blessing ease encouragement favor good health happiness help peace solution
STRONG
benefit calm comfort health opening order organization pleasure promotion success
WEAK
calmness contentment felicity harmony satisfaction tranquility
NOUN
mental burden
Synonyms
STRONGEST
anxiety complication crisis embarrassment frustration inconvenience misery predicament pressure setback stress strife struggle trouble worry
STRONG
ado aggravation annoyance bafflement bother care charge depression discouragement distress emergency exigency grievance harassment imbroglio irritation jam maze mess millstone oppression perplexity pickle pinch puzzle quandary ramification responsibility scrape strain strait to-do vicissitude weight
WEAK
hangup
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advantage aid assistance benefit blessing boon calmness contentment ease good fortune happiness help peace success
STRONG
cheerfulness comfort delight encouragement health hopefulness joy pleasure solution
WEAK
calm felicity harmony satisfaction tranquility
NOUN
argument
Synonyms
STRONGEST
controversy dispute hassle misunderstanding strife trouble
STRONG
altercation beef bickering fight quarrel squabble
WEAK
falling-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
agreement harmony peace
WEAK
calm calmness contentment ease felicity pleasure satisfaction tranquility

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"We could lose everything we have built," he warns his audience, and calls for national unity in a time of difficulty.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

One hurdle for Western officials has been the difficulty of proving a captain acted on orders from Beijing or Moscow, particularly since many ships involved are flagged under third countries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

“At any point in time, fans who experience technical difficulty can reach us on any of our support channels to help facilitate a smooth experience.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

A common feature of schizophrenia is difficulty using new information to understand the world.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

Mostly they argued about the difficulty of the maze.

From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary

Vocabulary lists containing difficulty

Messenger

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Spelling Practice, Unit 5

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Predicament, List 1

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