Definition of Difficulty
Quick Meaning of Difficulty
Something that is hard to do or a problem you face.
Detailed Definition of Difficulty
The state of being hard to do; a problem or obstacle.
How to Pronounce Difficulty
Stress pattern: oOoo (4-syllable word).
Tip: Stress second syllable: dif-FI-cul-ty. Vowel 'i' in second syllable is short.
Watch out: Learners sometimes stress first: DIF-fi-cul-ty. The stress is on second syllable: dif-FI-cul-ty.
Origin and Etymology of Difficulty
From Latin difficultate: dis- (not) + facilis (easy).
How to Use Difficulty in a Sentence
Each example shows “difficulty” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“She had difficulty learning to drive.”
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“The main difficulty was finding the right location.”
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“Students face many difficulties during the first semester.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Difficulty
Common Synonyms for Difficulty
Smart Synonyms for Difficulty — When to Use Each
- obstacle
- when the difficulty is something blocking your path
- challenge
- when the difficulty requires skill and effort to
Antonyms of Difficulty
Common Collocations with Difficulty
These phrases pair with “difficulty” in everyday English:
- have difficulty
- face difficulty
- difficulty in
- financial difficulty
Common Mistakes When Using Difficulty
Even fluent speakers slip up with “difficulty”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: She has difficulty to understand the lesson.
- ✓ Correct: She has difficulty understanding the lesson.
- Why: After 'have difficulty', use gerund (understanding) not 'to-infinitive'.
- ✗ Wrong: We overcome the difficulties.
- ✓ Correct: We overcame the difficulties.
- Why: Verb must match the past tense context; 'overcome' needs past form 'overcame'.
Other Forms of Difficulty
- Noun: difficulty
- Adjective: difficult
- Adverb: difficultly
Frequently Asked Questions About Difficulty
What is the meaning of "Difficulty"?
Something that is hard to do or a problem you face.
How do you pronounce "Difficulty"?
The IPA is /dɪˈfɪkəlti/. Stress second syllable: dif-FI-cul-ty. Vowel 'i' in second syllable is short.
What part of speech is "Difficulty"?
"Difficulty" is a noun at A2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Difficulty"?
Common synonyms include problem, obstacle, challenge.
How do you use "Difficulty" in a sentence?
For example: "She had difficulty learning to drive."