Main Entry: dif·fi·cul·ty

Pronunciation: \-(ˌ)kəl-tē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural dif·fi·cul·ties

Etymology: Middle English difficulte, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French difficulté, from Latin difficultas, from difficilis not easy, from dis- + facilis easy — more at facile

Date: 14th century

1 : the quality or state of being difficult
2 : controversy, disagreement
3 : objection
4 : something difficult : impediment
5 : embarrassment, trouble —usually used in plural