difficulty

noun

ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəl-tē How to pronounce difficulty (audio)
Definition of difficultynext
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

Relevance

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of difficulty For those with visual difficulties, communication material is provided with larger font sizes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026 The ombudsmen point to impossible care burdens that cause burnout, irregular schedules, lack of training and the difficulty of taking care of seniors who, in previous decades, would have qualified for hospital care. — Bruce Finley, Denver Post, 5 July 2026 Among this group, it is characterized by a difficulty controlling phone use, heavy social media dependence, having a preoccupation with notifications and voicing distress when separated from their device. — Elizabeth Dowdell, The Conversation, 6 July 2026 On the night of June 30 to July 1, robbers broke into the Centre archéologique du Montans and stole a clay vase full of ancient coins, once again, with what appears to be minimal difficulty, according to the French report. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for difficulty
Recent Examples of Synonyms for difficulty
  1. hardship
  2. complexity
  3. objection
  4. controversy
  5. complication
  6. exception
  7. dispute
  8. complaint
Noun
  • My history has been shaped by hardship, self-discovery and a relentless pursuit of purpose.
    — Mikhail Shneyder, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • So as opposed to, say, inspiring American leaders of all kinds, like a real explanation of the character of Harriet Tubman or of Chief Joseph or Americans struggled against real hardships.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
Definition of hardship
Noun
  • Three extraordinary new books, published this year, shed light on the brilliance and complexity of Morrison’s life and work, and place her as an American eminence, a visionary who saw fiction as a means through which to recast her country’s story.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The story explores family trauma, friendship, healing and the complexities of navigating life as a Black woman.
    — Alexa Stone July 2, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
Definition of complexity
Noun
  • For individuals 18 and older, courts generally must approve a qualifying name change within six weeks without holding a hearing or allowing formal objections.
    — Angela Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
  • Much of the objection to using the term comes from Israel's ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza despite ceasefires.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • Test your knowledge of cruise controversies, wedding whispers and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • Williams’ decision to leave the position was a big surprise to the mayor, commissioners and residents, though her departure followed months of controversy and scrutiny.
    — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Definition of controversy
Noun
  • Among the potential complications are severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and loss of fluid volume in the body, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • The babies, who were about 17 days old, had no complications other than prematurity, the summary said.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of complication
Noun
  • The statute would ban covered officers from wearing masks or shielding their identities while on duty and interacting with the public, with exceptions including medical masks, religious coverings, certain tactical equipment and hazardous conditions.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
  • While the majority of states have lieutenant governors, there are exceptions.
    — Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of exception
Noun
  • Herzog won a power struggle in the front office, then quit anyway, amid disputes with ownership.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • The court was established in 2001 and began functioning four years later as both an international court to settle disputes among Caribbean countries and as a final court of appeal.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of dispute
Noun
  • The air district is still encouraging residents to report odors to its online complaint system or by calling (800) 288-7664.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • The dietitian thought there might be a correlation, according to an internal Abbott summary of the complaint shown during Colombo’s deposition.
    — David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of complaint

Browse Nearby Words

difficulties
difficulty
diffidence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Difficulty.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/difficulty. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on difficulty

Nglish: Translation of difficulty for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All