Difficulties Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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difficulties

[ˈdɪfɪkəltiz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in life

Challenges or problems that one encounters in life, work, or other areas. Difficulties may include obstacles, hardships, or struggles.

Synonyms

challenges, hardships, obstacles, problems.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficulties	General term for situations that involve effort, struggle, or complexity. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts. She faced many difficulties while studying abroad The project ran into some difficulties along the way
challenges	Refers to difficult situations that also present opportunities for growth, learning, or achievement. Often viewed positively. He loves taking on new challenges at work Moving to a new city was a big challenge for her, but she learned a lot
problems	General term for anything that causes trouble or needs solving. Can refer to minor issues or major crises. The team worked overnight to solve the technical problems They have had marital problems for years
obstacles	Physical or metaphorical barriers that hinder progress or achievement. Often needs to be overcome to reach a goal. Lack of funding was a major obstacle for the project She had to overcome many obstacles to become successful
hardships	Refers to severe suffering or deprivation, often involving physical, financial, or emotional strain. Usually has a negative connotation. The family endured many hardships during the war His early life was full of hardships, but he never gave up

Examples of usage

She faced many difficulties in her career.
Financial difficulties can be stressful for many people.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotional

Feelings of unease, discomfort, or trouble. Difficulties in this context may refer to emotional or psychological struggles.

Synonyms

distress, struggles, troubles, unease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficulties	Used to describe situations that are hard to manage or solve. He faced many difficulties when starting his new business The project was delayed due to unexpected difficulties
struggles	Used for ongoing efforts or fights against challenges. Can refer to both physical and mental efforts. He shared his personal struggles with addiction The company is going through financial struggles this year
troubles	General term for problems or issues, often used in everyday language. She had car troubles on the way to work Their marriage went through some troubles, but they worked it out
distress	Refers to extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. Usually indicates a more intense or emotional struggle. She was in great distress after hearing the bad news The child's distress was evident from his tears
unease	Describes a feeling of discomfort or worry, often subtle and not always related to a specific situation. There was a sense of unease in the room during the meeting He felt unease about the upcoming exam

Examples of usage

He is going through some emotional difficulties right now.
Coping with difficulties in life can be challenging.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

learning

Obstacles or challenges encountered in the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills. Difficulties may arise in understanding complex concepts or mastering a new subject.

Synonyms

challenges, obstacles, struggles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficulties	Use this word when talking about general problems or issues that make a situation hard to handle or understand. She faced many difficulties while trying to balance work and family life The project encountered unforeseen difficulties
challenges	This word is often used in a positive sense to describe tasks that are hard but can be overcome with effort and skill. It's commonly used in professional and personal development contexts. Learning a new language presents many challenges, but it’s very rewarding The company faces significant challenges in adapting to the new market dynamics
obstacles	Use 'obstacles' when referring to objects or factors that physically or metaphorically block progress or make achieving a goal harder. The rough terrain was an obstacle for the hikers Financial constraints are major obstacles to achieving their business objectives
struggles	This word often has a more emotional or ongoing connotation, describing prolonged or intense effort against difficulties or adversities. It can have a negative tone. She struggled to keep her emotions in check His struggles with addiction were well-known to his family

Examples of usage

Students often face difficulties in learning new languages.
The teacher helps students overcome learning difficulties.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Encountering difficulties can lead to personal growth, as overcoming challenges often builds resilience.
Cognitive scientists study how people solve difficult problems to understand brain functioning under stress.
Struggles can also trigger emotional responses that vary from stress to motivation, impacting mental health.

Education

Students often face difficulties when learning new concepts, which can lead to innovative teaching methods.
Educational psychologists emphasize the importance of resilience in students dealing with learning challenges.
Understanding that difficulties are a normal part of the learning process can help reduce anxiety in students.

Pop Culture

Many songs and movies revolve around characters overcoming difficulties, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
In literature, protagonists often face major difficulties, making their ultimate victories feel more rewarding.
Social media influencers share their difficulties, promoting authenticity and encouraging others to embrace their struggles.

Technology

Tech startups often face significant difficulties in their initial stages, framing their stories as lessons in perseverance.
Solving complex coding problems is a common difficulty for software developers, prompting communities to share solutions.
Artificial intelligence aims to ease human difficulties across various fields, from healthcare to customer service.

Origin of 'difficulties'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'difficilis', meaning 'hard to do' or 'troublesome'.
It made its way into Old French as 'difficulté' before entering English in the late 14th century.
The prefix 'dific-' relates to difficulty, while the ending '-ties' indicates a state or condition.

The word 'difficulties' originated from the Latin word 'difficultas', which means 'hardship' or 'trouble'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various challenges and struggles encountered in different aspects of life. The concept of difficulties has been a common theme in literature, psychology, and everyday conversations, highlighting the universal nature of facing obstacles and overcoming them.

See also: difficultly, difficultness, difficulty.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,697, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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