Synonyms of difficulty

difficulty

noun

ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəl-tē 

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

• hardship
• obstacle
• hurdle
• hardness
• adversity
• rigor
• trial
• asperity
• discomfort
• inconvenience
• misfortune
• nuisance
• impediment
• interference
• hindrance
• obstruction
• tribulation
• embarrassment
• tragedy
• handicap
• mishap
• let
• inhibition
• affliction
• encumbrance
• hitch
• deterrent
• stop
• snag
• rub
• knock
• chain
• catch
• hump
• block
• shackle
• clog
• crimp
• pons asinorum
• trammel
• check
• bar
• manacle
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

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

• complexity
• complication
• headache
• intricacy
• convolution
• trouble
• complicacy
• matter
• annoyance
• fly in the ointment
• side effect
• ramification
• subtlety
• inconvenience
• aftereffect
• technicality
• bitch
• bother

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

• objection
• exception
• complaint
• question
• challenge
• protest
• criticism
• fuss
• demur
• remonstrance
• stink
• demurrer
• suspicion
• doubt
• demurral
• expostulation
• qualm
• dispute
• misunderstanding
• uncertainty
• compunction
• dissent
• kick
• skepticism
• scruple
• reluctance
• misgiving
• quibble
• quarrel
• censure
• unease
• cavil
• distrust
• mistrust
• squabble
• disobedience
• debate
• argument
• uneasiness
• conflict
• static
• unwillingness
• rebellion
• hassle
• reservation
• niggle
• indetermination
• defiance
• incertitude
• dubitation
• mistrustfulness
• distrustfulness
• misdoubt
• dubiety
• qualmishness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• willingness
• approval
• agreement
• sanction
• acceptance
• compliance
• obedience
• acquiescence
• assent

4

as in controversy

variance of opinion on a matter

the theologian's ongoing difficulties with the Vatican

Synonyms & Similar Words

• controversy
• dispute
• disputation
• debate
• disagreement
• difference
• dissension
• nonconcurrence
• contention
• contestation
• firestorm
• conflict
• struggle
• dissensus
• dissonance
• discord
• clash
• confliction
• collision
• argument
• misunderstanding
• quarrel
• strife
• fight
• combat
• disaccord
• altercation
• divarication
• division
• falling-out
• set-to
• apartness
• kickup
• bicker

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• agreement
• consensus
• harmony
• compliance
• acceptance
• accord
• unanimity
• peace
• concord

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of difficulty

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

This chunky blanket brings maximum coziness without too much difficulty (or any knitting needles). — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026

That afternoon, nearly 10,000 people, according to the Spanish government officials in Madrid, gathered in the capital to protest Maricarmen’s eviction, while also expressing their frustration over the growing difficulties in finding housing. — Pau Mosquera, CNN Money, 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