difficulty

Plural

difficulties

1. 1.The state of being difficult, or hard to do.

   • My mom is old and has a lot of difficulty (in) remembering all her grandchildren's names.

2. 2.An obstacle that hinders achievement of a goal.

   • We faced a difficulty in trying to book a flight so late.
   • The two-hour debate was briefly stalled by a technical difficulty with the moderators’ microphones.
   • The difficulties of photoheliography consist principally in the rapidity with which the sun's image acts upon the sensitive film.

3. 3.Physical danger from the environment, especially with risk of drowning

   • The three teenagers, a girl and two boys, were playing by the river when it is believed they got into difficulty.
   • Members of the public had called 999 as they were concerned the kayaker was in difficulty around the headland race due to very strong spring tides and choppy seas with the kayaker making no headway.

4. 4.An objection.

Overall

Uncommon· #2039

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Uncommon

Academic

Uncommon

Literature

Rare

Antonyms

• ease

Synonyms

• trouble