Dictionary-enhanced synonyms
Synonyms for “Difficult” — 4 Other Ways to Say It
Needing a lot of effort; not easy to do.
Meaning of Difficult
Hard to do or understand; requiring effort or skill.
How to Pronounce Difficult
IPA: /ˈdɪfɪkəlt/ Stress: Ooo
Stress first syllable: DIF-fi-cult. The final 't' is slightly soft in speech.
4 Synonyms for Difficult — Words Similar to Difficult
Browse alternative words with their meaning, level, and a real example sentence so you pick the synonym that fits your context.
Smart Synonyms for Difficult — When to Use Each
challenging
when the difficulty requires skill or mental effort
complex
when the difficulty comes from many parts or
Antonyms of Difficult — Opposite Words
How to Use Difficult and Its Synonyms in Sentences
- Math is difficult for many students. A1
- This puzzle is too difficult to solve quickly. A2
- She found it difficult to adjust to the new schedule. B1
Common Word Choice Mistakes with Difficult
Not natural: The problem is too much difficult.
Better: The problem is too difficult.
Do not use 'much' before adjectives; use 'very' or 'too' instead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Synonyms of Difficult
What is another word for "difficult"?
Common synonyms for "difficult" include: hard, challenging, complex, tough.
What can I say instead of "difficult"?
Try one of these alternatives: hard, challenging, complex, tough. Pick the synonym whose register and meaning fits your sentence — see the cards above for definitions and examples.
Is "difficult" formal or informal?
"difficult" is generally used in neutral contexts.
When should I use "difficult" instead of "hard"?
Use "difficult" when you want to keep the exact nuance shown in the meaning section above; switch to "hard" when you need a different register, level, or shade of meaning. Compare the cards above to decide.
What are the antonyms of "difficult"?
Words with the opposite meaning of "difficult" include: easy, simple, effortless.