difficult
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.dif·fi·cult
adjective \ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəlt\Definition of DIFFICULT
1
: hard to do, make, or carry out : arduous <a difficult climb>
2
a : hard to deal with, manage, or overcome <a difficult child> b : hard to understand : puzzling <difficult reading>
— dif·fi·cult·ly adverb
See Examples of DIFFICULT
- We were asked lots of difficult questions.
- I had to make a very difficult decision.
- We'll be hiking over difficult terrain.
- It's more difficult than it sounds.
- I found myself in a difficult position.
- Some difficult days lie ahead of us.
- These changes will make life difficult for everyone involved.
Origin of DIFFICULT
Middle English, back-formation from difficulty
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to DIFFICULT
- Synonyms
- arduous, Augean, backbreaking, challenging, demanding, hard, effortful, exacting, formidable, grueling (or gruelling), heavy, hellacious, herculean, killer, laborious, moiling, murderous, pick-and-shovel, rigorous, rough, rugged, severe, stiff, strenuous, sweaty, tall, testing, toilsome, tough, uphill
- Antonyms
- cheap, easy, effortless, facile, light, mindless, simple, soft, undemanding
See Synonym Discussion at hard
Rhymes with DIFFICULT
Learn More About DIFFICULT
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Previous Word in the Dictionary: difficile
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All Words Near: difficult
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