Dictionary-enhanced plural guide
What is the Plural of “Difficulty”?
Learn the singular and plural noun forms, the rule behind the plural, and examples that show the form in context.
Singular and Plural Form of Difficulty
Difficulty is the singular noun form. Difficulties is the plural form.
Dictionary meaning: Something that is hard to do or a problem you face.
Why is the Plural of Difficulty “difficulties”?
The Regular Plural Rule for Difficulty
When a word ends in consonant + y, change the y to -ies. Example: difficulty → difficulties
Plural pattern: regular.
How to Remember the Plural of Difficulty
Just add -s to “difficulty” to make “difficulties”. Most English nouns follow this pattern.
A common slip-up: Learners sometimes stress first: DIF-fi-cul-ty. The stress is on second syllable: dif-FI-cul-ty..
Singular vs Plural Examples with Difficulty
See difficulty and difficulties used in real sentences side by side.
Singular: difficulty
- She had difficulty learning to drive. A2
- The main difficulty was finding the right location. B1
Plural: difficulties
- Students face many difficulties during the first semester. B1
Common Plural Mistakes with Difficulty
Wrong: We overcome the difficulties.
Correct: We overcame the difficulties.
Verb must match the past tense context; 'overcome' needs past form 'overcame'.
How to Pronounce Difficulty and Difficulties
Stress second syllable: dif-FI-cul-ty. Vowel 'i' in second syllable is short.
Other Words With the Same Plural Pattern as Difficulty
These nouns follow the same regular rule. Click any word to see its plural page.
A response or behavior that happens because of something someone does or…
Someone who reads or enjoys reading books and written material.
An official rule made by government or organization that people must follow.
A connection between things or people; family members or how people know…
Something that helps you succeed or do better than others at something.
A thrilling journey or experience with something unexpected or risky happening.
How old someone is or how long something has been around, measured…
What you say or write when someone asks you a question, or…
Origin and Etymology of Difficulty
From Latin difficultate: dis- (not) + facilis (easy).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Plural of Difficulty
What is the plural of “difficulty”?
The plural of “difficulty” is “difficulties”.
Is “difficulties” regular or irregular?
This page classifies it as regular based on the available plural data.