the state or quality of being difficult a task, problem, etc, that is hard to deal with - (often plural)
a troublesome or embarrassing situation, esp a financial one a dispute or disagreement - (often plural)
an objection or obstacle a trouble or source of trouble; worry lack of ease; awkwardness
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
dif•fi•cul•ty /ˈdɪfɪˌkʌlti/USA pronunciation
n., pl. -ties.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025- the fact or condition of being difficult:[uncountable]The difficulty of the courses was too much for some students.
- Often, difficulties. [plural] an embarrassing situation, esp. of financial affairs:[countable]had difficulties paying our bills each month.
- a disagreement or dispute:[countable]Because of some difficulties with scheduling, the new course was cancelled.
dif•fi•cul•ty
(dif′i kul′tē, -kəl tē),USA pronunciation n., pl. -ties.
- the fact or condition of being difficult.
- Often, difficul•ties. an embarrassing situation, esp. of financial affairs.
- a trouble or struggle.
- a cause of trouble, struggle, or embarrassment.
- a disagreement or dispute.
- reluctance;
unwillingness. - a demur;
objection. - something that is hard to do, understand, or surmount;
an impediment or obstacle.
- Latin difficultās, equivalent. to difficil(is) difficile + -tās -ty2
- Anglo-French)
- Middle English difficulte (1350–1400
- 2.See corresponding entry in Unabridged dilemma, predicament, quandary, plight, fix, exigency, strait.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged problem.
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