1
as in hardship
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in complexity
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
3
as in objection
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in controversy
variance of opinion on a matter
the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of difficulty
This lack of focus on evaluation is likely due both to the difficulty of doing ex-post analysis well, and the limited incentives to evaluate actual regulatory impacts.
—
Susan E. Dudley, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
In honor of the show celebrating its 13th anniversary this month — the program premiered on HBO on April 15, 2012 — the actress and series creator, 38, reflected on some of the difficulties that came with starring on the show in a lengthy Instagram post shared on Wednesday, April 30.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The size of the construction workforce is also changing, with 88% of U.S. construction firms reporting difficulty finding workers.
—Bahaa Chammout, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
In March, three high-profile women streamers were stalked while streaming at the Santa Monica Pier, igniting a conversation about the dangers and difficulties of being so visible in a world increasingly dominated by misogyny.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Susan E. Dudley, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
In honor of the show celebrating its 13th anniversary this month — the program premiered on HBO on April 15, 2012 — the actress and series creator, 38, reflected on some of the difficulties that came with starring on the show in a lengthy Instagram post shared on Wednesday, April 30.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 30 Apr. 2025
The size of the construction workforce is also changing, with 88% of U.S. construction firms reporting difficulty finding workers.
—Bahaa Chammout, The Conversation, 30 Apr. 2025
In March, three high-profile women streamers were stalked while streaming at the Santa Monica Pier, igniting a conversation about the dangers and difficulties of being so visible in a world increasingly dominated by misogyny.
—Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
Noun
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Her writing style combines careful historical detail with moving personal recollection, allowing readers to vicariously experience the grueling training, camaraderie, and hardships of St. Gertrude's Hospital School of Nursing’s nursing students, more commonly referred to as St. Trudy's students.—
Sixteen Ramos,
USA Today,
9 May 2025
-
This is a sweet story all about family legacy, authentic food, and fighting to preserve both in the face of hardship.—
DeVonne Goode,
Parents,
8 May 2025
Noun
-
Overview The complexities of the U.K.’s indirect tax landscape can be challenging for overseas businesses to navigate when starting to sell here for the first time, especially for those selling to consumers.—
Robert Marchant,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
-
Doctors across the country are navigating a fast-changing healthcare landscape where administrative complexity and evolving reimbursement structures are creating new challenges for even the most experienced providers.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
It was never sold in the U.S. thanks to the unwavering objections of a resolute reviewer at the FDA named Frances Oldham Kelsey.—
David Armstrong,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
-
With Republicans going it alone, over the objections of Democrats in the House and Senate critical of the tax package as a giveaway to the rich that will hurt Americans who depend on federal services, leaders will need almost every Republican on board.—
Lisa Mascaro,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Noun
-
The new portraits were unveiled roughly one year after a portrait of King Charles by artist Jonathan Yeo was revealed at Buckingham Palace, stirring some controversy and debate for its strong imagery.—
WWD Staff,
Footwear News,
7 May 2025
-
In December 2020 — shortly before Hilaria's heritage controversy emerged — Schumer posted some of Hilaria's family photos on her own Instagram page, later deleting them and apologizing to Hilaria, who spoke out about receiving negative comments.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
People.com,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
In July 1998, the FDA approved thalidomide for the treatment of a painful complication of leprosy.—
David Armstrong,
CNN Money,
10 May 2025
-
In one study, both vitamins were associated with fewer complications during chemotherapy in people with leukemia.19 More studies are needed to confirm these benefits.—
Emmanuella Ogbonna,
Health,
8 May 2025
Noun
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Asking for fairness, the state workers who gathered outside the Caltrans headquarters across from the Capitol delivered a petition, urging the department to reconsider allowing exceptions to the telework policy.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
16 May 2025
-
Judge Florence Pan pressed Graver to explain why the Federal Reserve should be carved out as an exception to boards Trump should have control over, but the labor boards should not.—
Erin Mansfield,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Noun
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But that same morning, the party suffered a setback that may be more consequential: losing control of the state board that sets voting rules and adjudicates election disputes.—
Doug Bock Clark,
ProPublica,
16 May 2025
-
If not, the consumer can file a dispute with the credit card issuer, Kiernan said.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Noun
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The complaint says a 58-year-old woman showed up at AdventHealth TimberRidge ER in Ocala with chills, fever and numbness in her hands and face.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
18 May 2025
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According to the complaint, the water district and county have rejected Kenny’s legal claims, which typically precede a lawsuit against a government agency and give both parties a chance to settle the allegations themselves before going to court.—
Luke Harold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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