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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.

"But they will be in difficulty if the fallout of the Middle East crisis continues for a while," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 11, 2026

Businesses have already been stressed by inflation and supply-chain difficulty, so investors now know which businesses are most flexible and most able to manage these challenges.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Barnaby clarifies that he wants her to forge . . . her way . . . through this little difficulty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But it’s just this supposed difficulty that should ideally qualify him for all but the most timid of book clubs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

He caught with difficulty at the griffin’s forelegs.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Vocabulary lists containing difficulty

Messenger

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Spelling Practice, Unit 5

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Predicament, List 1

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