Synonyms of difficulties

difficulties

noun

plural of difficulty

1

as in hardships

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal

the many difficulties that he encountered on the road from poor orphan to head of a major corporation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• hardships
• obstacles
• hurdles
• adversities
• rigors
• trials
• asperities
• inconveniences
• discomforts
• tribulations
• misfortunes
• nuisances
• impediments
• hindrances
• obstructions
• tragedies
• mishaps
• handicaps
• interferences
• embarrassments
• afflictions
• snags
• hitches
• inhibitions
• encumbrances
• lets
• clogs
• shackles
• deterrents
• chains
• trammels
• manacles
• knocks
• rubs
• stops
• humps
• crimps
• catches
• blocks
• fetters
• checks
• pons asinorums
• bars

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunities
• advantages
• breaks

2

as in complications

something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult

there was a minor difficulty when we realized that the store had already closed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complications
• complexities
• intricacies
• headaches
• convolutions
• troubles
• complicacies
• matters
• ramifications
• side effects
• aftereffects
• subtleties
• flies in the ointment
• inconveniences
• annoyances
• technicalities
• bitches
• bothers

3

as in objections

a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent

the only difficulty I have with the dress is its color—does it come in anything besides purple?

Synonyms & Similar Words

• objections
• exceptions
• complaints
• challenges
• questions
• protests
• criticisms
• expostulations
• remonstrances
• demurrers
• stinks
• doubts
• suspicions
• qualms
• fusses
• demurrals
• disputes
• misgivings
• demurs
• misunderstandings
• compunctions
• scruples
• uncertainties
• kicks
• squabbles
• quibbles
• quarrels
• skepticism
• dissents
• reluctances
• arguments
• conflicts
• rebellions
• mistrust
• censures
• debates
• distrust
• statics
• cavils
• disobediences
• reservations
• defiances
• hassles
• niggles
• misdoubts
• indeterminations
• dubitations
• incertitudes
• dubieties

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sanctions
• approvals
• agreements
• acceptances
• assents
• acquiescences
• compliances
• obediences

4

as in controversies

variance of opinion on a matter

the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican

Synonyms & Similar Words

• controversies
• disputes
• disputations
• disagreements
• debates
• differences
• dissensions
• contestations
• contentions
• nonconcurrences
• firestorms
• conflictions
• conflicts
• dissensuses
• struggles
• clashes
• discords
• dissonances
• arguments
• collisions
• quarrels
• misunderstandings
• fights
• altercations
• strifes
• disaccords
• divarications
• divisions
• combats
• bickers
• fallings-out
• kickups
• set-tos

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreements
• harmonies
• accords
• consensuses
• compliances
• acceptances
• unanimities
• concords
• peaces

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of difficulties

Patience is the ability to remain calm and accept delays, difficulties, or annoyance without complaining or becoming angry. — Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026

Despite the difficulties, officers did find several items of interest. — Alex Gurley, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, its deployment continues to face a series of obstacles, including delays by troop-contributing countries and difficulties getting equipment into Haiti. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

While throughout the 1990s there were multiple attempts by Russia and Cuba to revive the project, Washington’s ongoing objections — coupled with the financial difficulties both countries were experiencing — meant none of these came to fruition. — Juan Carlos López, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

Steen had learning problems and had begun using drugs at 12 or 13, and his difficulties worsened after the motorcycle accident. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026

The pilot reported mechanical difficulties moments before the crash in the southeast corner of the airport, The Times reported at the time. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

As for the challenges, all three directors brought up the difficulties of having to communicate in their second language with actors when under the overbearing pressures of being on set. — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 6 Sep. 2026

Your essay concludes with a reflection on the financial difficulties that come with working in print journalism. — Maggie McGowan, The New York Review of Books, 5 Sep. 2026