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

For Chou, the anticipated difficulties of the voyage are more straightforward. — Velvet Wu july 26, Sacbee.com, 26 July 2026

But for others, difficulties in perceiving faces can impact their quality of life. — Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026

In minutes from a meeting with the Labour and Vocational Training Ministry and union representatives, company manager Thitipong Wongsayang said the shutdown was driven by economic problems and difficulties moving raw materials and finished goods. — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 24 July 2026

This summer was supposed to be a refreshing change of scenery for those on the road with their nations, but instead the difficulties of Liverpool’s 2025-26 campaign continued. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Occhicone has difficulties hearing, seeing, and walking, to the point that guards have to help him in and out of the shower and up and down stairs, according to court records filed by his lawyers. — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Whatever difficulties this might create, dealing with Cassell is probably preferable to trying to get past some dinosaurs via Una’s shoot-the-dinosaur-in-the-mouth stun-and-run strategy, as effective as this turns out to be. — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 23 July 2026

Symptoms that include headaches, balance problems and difficulties with thinking and sleep were first reported in Cuba in 2016 — leading to the label. — ABC News, 22 July 2026

Between 40% and 60% of women in perimenopause and menopause experience sleep difficulties, yet most don’t receive satisfactory treatment because the issue is so often misunderstood or minimized. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 July 2026