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

Wave ownership recently proposed a sweeping development project at the Del Mar Fairgrounds that would include a 12,000- to 16,000-seat stadium, citing difficulties securing premium dates at 35,000-capacity Snapdragon. — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026

For borrowers facing more serious financial difficulties, pursuing debt settlement — either on their own or with the help of a debt relief company — could make sense. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Nance-Holt pinned the surge last weekend on typical difficulties staffing weekends and holidays. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

The community provides crucial support to parents whose children have suffered from the harmful effects of social media, from facing near-fatal harm, managing ongoing mental health difficulties, or experiencing the tragic loss of a child. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026

Symptoms of a stroke include balance loss, eye vision changes, facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 3 Nov. 2026

The company highlights risks, including potential political headwinds, its complex infrastructure needs as well as the difficulties that can come from balancing safety and commercial objectives. — Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

But when the shift ended, only four of the machines passed their performance assessments, highlighting the difficulties robots still face when handling unpredictable everyday tasks. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

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