Difficulty: meaning, definitions and examples

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difficulty

['dɪfɪkəlti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

level of complexity

The state or quality of being difficult. It can refer to the degree of challenge or complexity involved in a task or situation.

Synonyms

challenge, complexity, hardship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficulty	General term for any kind of problem or struggle. He experienced difficulty solving the math problem There's some difficulty in understanding the manual
challenge	Something that is difficult but can be motivating or seen as a task to be overcome. Climbing the mountain was a real challenge She enjoyed the challenge of learning a new language
complexity	Usually refers to something that has many interconnected parts making it hard to understand or solve. The complexity of the project required a skilled team He struggled with the complexity of the subject matter
hardship	Refers to severe suffering or deprivation, often used in a more negative or serious context. She endured many hardships during the war Economic hardship has affected many families

Examples of usage

The difficulty of the exam surprised many students.
She was not prepared for the level of difficulty in the game.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

problem or obstacle

A problem or obstacle that hinders progress or success. It can also refer to a state of being hard to deal with.

Synonyms

hurdle, issue, obstacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficulty	General term for something that is not easy to do or understand. He had difficulty understanding the instructions. There was some difficulty in solving the problem.
obstacle	A physical or non-physical barrier that prevents progress, often used in a literal or metaphorical sense. The fallen tree was an obstacle in our path. Fear of failure can be a major obstacle.
issue	A matter or problem that is being discussed or considered, often used for discussions or debates. There is an issue with the project timeline. We need to address the issue of rising costs.
hurdle	A problem or obstacle that must be overcome, often used in a figurative sense. They faced many hurdles during their journey. Clearing regulatory hurdles can be difficult.

Examples of usage

One of the difficulties we faced was lack of funding.
Overcoming this difficulty will require teamwork and creativity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

lack of ease

The absence of ease or comfort. It can refer to a feeling of discomfort or unease.

Synonyms

awkwardness, discomfort, unease.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
difficulty	Use this term when referring to a challenging task, situation, or problem. She faced difficulty in solving the math problem. The team overcame many difficulties to complete the project.
discomfort	Ideal for expressing physical or emotional unease or mild pain. She felt discomfort in her stomach after eating too much. There was a clear discomfort in his voice while speaking about the incident.
unease	Suitable for describing a general feeling of anxiety or worry. I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that something was wrong. There was an air of unease in the office after the announcement of layoffs.
awkwardness	Best suited for describing situations that are socially uncomfortable or physically clumsy. There was an awkwardness in the air when they met after their fight. He tripped over his own feet, creating an awkwardness in the room.

Examples of usage

She handled the situation with grace despite the difficulty of the circumstances.
There was a noticeable difficulty in his voice as he spoke about the loss.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'difficultas', meaning 'hard to accomplish'.
In Old French, it evolved to 'difficulté', maintaining the same meaning.
It originally described the conditions of challenges in tasks, gradually expanding to include emotional struggles.

Psychology

Facing difficulty can trigger the brain's problem-solving skills, encouraging growth and resilience.
Research shows that experiencing challenges can lead to increased motivation to overcome future obstacles.
Many psychologists argue that difficulties can help in developing coping strategies and emotional intelligence.

Education

In learning environments, difficulty is often used to gauge the complexity of tasks to help educators tailor their methods.
Challenges are necessary for profound learning; they encourage critical thinking and adaptability.
Students often develop better understanding and retention of information when they face and overcome challenges.

Literature

Many classic stories use difficulty as a central theme, reflecting characters' struggles against challenges, like in 'The Odyssey'.
Poets often use challenges as metaphors for personal growth and enlightenment in their works.
Difficulties faced by protagonists often create tension, driving plots and highlighting personal development throughout the tale.

Pop Culture

The concept of 'difficulty' has become popular in video gaming, where levels range from easy to hard, testing player skills.
Reality TV shows frequently revolve around participants facing various difficulties, highlighting human resilience.
Music and movies often explore themes of overcoming difficulties, showing how challenges can lead to personal triumph.

Translations

Translations of the word "difficulty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dificuldade

🇮🇳 कठिनाई

🇩🇪 Schwierigkeit

🇮🇩 kesulitan

🇺🇦 складність

🇵🇱 trudność

🇯🇵 難しさ (むずかしさ)

🇫🇷 difficulté

🇪🇸 dificultad

🇹🇷 zorluk

🇰🇷 어려움

🇸🇦 صعوبة

🇨🇿 obtížnost

🇸🇰 ťažkosť

🇨🇳 难度 (nándù)

🇸🇮 težavnost

🇮🇸 erfiðleiki

🇰🇿 қиындық

🇬🇪 სირთულე

🇦🇿 çətinlik

🇲🇽 dificultad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,367, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

...
1364 marriage
1365 stress
1366 winter
1367 difficulty
1368 resulting
1369 studied
1370 immediate
...