A1adjective1K

Difficult

UK /["/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/"]/US /["/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/"]/

Definition

not easy; needing effort or skill to do or to understand

In simple words: Hard to do or understand.

Examples

  • This math problem is really difficult.
  • She found it difficult to understand the instructions.
  • Learning a new language can be difficult at first.
  • The climb was difficult, but we made it to the top.
  • He's been facing difficult challenges in his career.

Usage notes

Use 'difficult' when describing tasks, problems, or situations that require a lot of effort. Avoid in very casual conversations; instead, use synonyms like 'hard.'

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'difficult' like climbing a steep hill – a tough challenge!

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • prove
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • be
  • look
  • prove
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • awkward

Antonyms

  • easy
  • simple
  • straightforward

Common mistakes

  • 'Difficult' is often confused with 'hard.'
  • Some learners use 'difficult' in place of 'complicated.'
  • Misplacing 'difficult' in a sentence, like saying 'it's difficult to me' instead of 'it's difficult for me.'