Synonyms of difficult

difficult

adjective

ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəlt 

1

as in challenging

requiring considerable physical or mental effort

difficult questions on the exam that required analytical thinking

Synonyms & Similar Words

• challenging
• tough
• hard
• rigorous
• demanding
• formidable
• complicated
• heavy
• rough
• effortful
• arduous
• rugged
• severe
• painful
• strenuous
• exhausting
• tall
• laborious
• sweaty
• uphill
• complex
• testing
• grueling
• intricate
• herculean
• problematic
• exacting
• problematical
• backbreaking
• toilsome
• killer
• murderous
• serious
• stiff
• gruelling
• tricky
• annoying
• elusive
• stressful
• involved
• troublesome
• trying
• hellacious
• pick-and-shovel
• stubborn
• grim
• brutal
• onerous
• tight
• burdensome
• oppressive
• thorny
• abstract
• moiling
• insoluble
• abstruse
• opaque
• irksome
• Augean
• bruising
• hairy
• bothersome
• recondite
• strict
• ticklish
• labored
• knotty
• vexatious
• distressing
• cruel
• spiny
• stringent
• taxing
• grievous
• inhuman

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• light
• soft
• cheap
• effortless
• clear
• undemanding
• facile
• manageable
• elementary
• mindless
• doable
• achievable
• uncomplicated
• smooth
• gentle
• comforting
• painless
• soothing
• relaxed
• accessible
• friendly
• user-friendly
• idiotproof

2

as in tough

requiring exceptional skill or caution in performance or handling

it's a difficult situation when two of your friends are quarreling and you're trying to stay out of it

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tough
• sensitive
• problematic
• problematical
• complicated
• tricky
• hard
• sticky
• delicate
• problem
• complex
• painful
• thorny
• serious
• touchy
• nasty
• hairy
• ticklish
• knotty
• catchy
• dodgy
• spiny
• prickly
• tricksy
• troublesome
• intricate
• involved
• vexing
• abstruse
• abstract
• stressful
• stubborn
• recondite
• inconvenient
• worrisome
• vexatious
• onerous
• burdensome
• demanding
• troublous
• exhausting
• oppressive
• scabrous
• exacting
• importunate
• discommoding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• easy
• simple
• manageable
• straightforward
• uncomplicated
• painless
• effortless
• unproblematic
• undemanding

Try This Instead

For

Try This

a difficult task

a complicated task

a formidable task

a daunting task

an enormous task

a challenging task

a difficult time

a hard time

a stressful time

a frustrating time

a tough time

a troubled time

a difficult subject

an uncomfortable subject

a tricky subject

a delicate subject

a painful subject

a sensitive subject

Synonym Chooser

How is the word difficult different from other adjectives like it?

The words arduous and hard are common synonyms of difficult. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

When would arduous be a good substitute for difficult?

While in some cases nearly identical to difficult, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

When could hard be used to replace difficult?

In some situations, the words hard and difficult are roughly equivalent. However, hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of difficult

Being governor of an American state is one of the great jobs in politics, and Lamont has been a notable success after a difficult start in 2019. —Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 July 2025

The fire is in difficult country with access issues and firefighters are evaluating options for the right flank and head of the fire. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 July 2025

Don’t give up hope or the belief that, as dark and difficult as things seem right now, better days lie ahead. —Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025

It’s gotten at least a little more difficult to be a corrupt cop in Massachusetts these days. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 July 2025