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

Parks-Shaw said Stapleton created jobs, mentored people and used his position to support others, leaving an example for entrepreneurs such as herself about continuing through the difficulties that come with owning a business. — Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026

Last month, the state said that was largely due to difficulties in putting in place new federal requirements that resulted in higher call volumes and additional verification. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Gundlach Bundschu’s announcement follows several other California wineries that have cited difficulties as the industry struggles with dwindling demand, the trade war and natural disasters. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Many teens experience stress because of housing instability, serious financial strain and transportation difficulties. — Crystal Cederna, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

Because Slatten was unable to talk during the video, Singh spoke for both of them, sharing that his wife had started experiencing difficulties with movement and balance. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2026

There are some difficulties getting withdrawals, and this may partially be due to the app being founded overseas, but completely legal in America. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 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