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

The setback stems from difficulties manufacturing a key circuit board at the heart of the system, SemiAnalysis said in a post on Monday. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 July 2026

Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, memory problems, and balance difficulties. — Dr. Tal Patalon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026

For those with visual difficulties, communication material is provided with larger font sizes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

Go through the mental exercise of all the potential difficulties. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 4 July 2026

The product, used to manage swallowing difficulties, might cause NEC, the FDA said. — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026

The screening generated immediate excitement, but the film soon encountered difficulties securing distribution. — José Salazar, IndieWire, 22 June 2026

There have been numerous books written about the difficulties making of that classic. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 22 June 2026

For some, these negative self-views can lead to difficulties with commitment and more conflict between partners. — Christina Balderrama-Durbin, The Conversation, 22 June 2026