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

But the world was deprived of this Minimalist presentation of Little Richard when the project foundered at the end of the decade amid financial obstacles and the difficulties of coordinating its all-star cast. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Such diversification is important because even a technologically advanced military can face operational difficulties if essential components become unavailable at a critical moment, according to reports. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2026

Cognitive symptoms could include illusions or hallucinations — some patients report sensing a shadowy figure nearby — and difficulties with problem solving and navigation. — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

The agreement comes as Hialeah continues to grapple with staffing shortages and difficulties retaining experienced emergency personnel. — Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026

For Cory, too, the desire to keep traveling outweighs the difficulties. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026

Despite the difficulties, brands are running out of time to act. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

Buckley attributed its financial troubles to excessive debt and the pandemic, arguing that the brand’s appeal survived the business’s difficulties. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2026

Other drivers included grief, loneliness, relationship difficulties, work and financial strain, health concerns and major life decisions. — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026