Cool MateDifficulty vs Struggle
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Difficulty | Struggle | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | How hard something is. | To try hard to do something difficult. |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | verb |
| Usage notes | Often used to describe challenges in tasks, tests, or activities. Suitable in both casual and academic contexts. Avoid using in overly informal situations. | Use 'struggle' when discussing challenges or difficulties, both physically and mentally. It's appropriate in most contexts, from casual conversations to more serious discussions about issues. |
Frequently asked questions: Difficulty vs Struggle
What's the difference between "Difficulty" and "Struggle"?
"Difficulty" means: How hard something is. "Struggle" means: To try hard to do something difficult.
When should I use "Difficulty" and "Struggle"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Difficulty" and "Struggle" the same CEFR level?
"Difficulty" is at B1, "Struggle" is at B2 on the CEFR scale.