Difficultness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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difficultness

[dɪˈfɪkəltnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

level of complexity

The state or quality of being difficult; the degree of complexity or hardship involved in a task or situation.

Synonyms

challenge, complexity, hardship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficultness	This word is less common and might sound awkward in conversation. It is often better to use 'difficulty' instead. The difficultness of the task made everyone frustrated They underestimated the difficultness of the exam
complexity	Use 'complexity' when discussing something with many interconnected parts or factors that make it hard to understand or deal with. The complexity of the engineering project was overwhelming Understanding the human brain involves a lot of complexity
hardship	This word conveys a strong sense of suffering or adversity, often due to lack of resources or tough circumstances. It carries a negative connotation. They endured great hardships during the war Many families face financial hardships
challenge	This word is suitable when referring to a task or situation that requires effort and determination to overcome. It often has a motivational or positive connotation. Running a marathon was a big challenge for him She loves to take on new challenges at work

Examples of usage

The difficultness of the puzzle frustrated me.
She was surprised by the difficultness of the exam.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

struggle

The act of facing and overcoming challenges or obstacles; the effort required to achieve a difficult task.

Synonyms

challenge, effort, struggle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficultness	This word is rarely used and can sound awkward in conversation. It's better to use 'difficulty' instead. The difficultness of the task was overwhelming
struggle	This word is used when something is extremely difficult and often implies a longer, more intense effort, sometimes with a sense of personal conflict or hardship. It often carries a negative connotation. She struggled with her illness for years The family faced a lot of struggles after losing their home
effort	This term refers to the amount of physical or mental energy put into doing something. It is neutral and emphasizes the work put into the action rather than the challenge itself. It took a lot of effort to clean the house They appreciated the effort he put into the project
challenge	This term is used when referring to a task or situation that requires effort and skill to overcome. It often carries a positive connotation, suggesting opportunity for growth. Learning a new language is always a challenge The project was a challenge, but everyone enjoyed it

Examples of usage

He showed great determination in the face of difficultness.
The difficultness of the journey only made her more determined.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

People's perception of difficultness can vary significantly based on experiences and skills; what's hard for one may be easy for another.
Challenges perceived as difficult can lead to growth, as overcoming them often boosts confidence and resilience.
Research shows that setting 'difficult' but achievable goals can motivate individuals to perform better.

Education

In educational settings, tasks labeled as difficult can provoke anxiety, but they can also foster deeper engagement when students feel supported.
Effective teaching often involves balancing difficultness with appropriate scaffolding, helping learners to tackle challenging material step-by-step.
Collaborative learning can reduce the perceived difficultness of tasks, as teamwork allows sharing of strategies and support.

Cultural References

In literature and films, characters often face situations of difficultness, showcasing their struggle and development.
Throughout history, songs and stories have been dedicated to the themes of overcoming difficultness, inspiring many.

Everyday Life

Tasks like solving a Rubik's cube or learning a new language can initially feel difficult, but practice makes them easier over time.
In sports, athletes often confront difficultness in mastering skills, which leads to improvement and success with persistence.
Parenting can present daily difficultness, with every new stage bringing unique challenges that shape growth and understanding.

Origin of 'difficultness'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Latin 'difficultas', which means 'hardness' or 'difficulty'.
In English, 'difficult' has been used since at least the 14th century, with 'difficultness' emerging later as a noun form.
The word reflects a state of challenge, accumulated over centuries in various languages.

The word 'difficultness' is a derivative of the adjective 'difficult'. The suffix '-ness' is added to the base word to form a noun, indicating the quality or state of being difficult. The concept of facing challenges or obstacles has been a part of human experience throughout history, and the word 'difficultness' serves to encapsulate the struggle and effort required to overcome such difficulties.

See also: difficulties, difficultly, difficulty.