Cool MateDifficulty
UK /["/ˈdɪfɪkəlti/"]/US /["/ˈdɪfɪkəlti/"]/
Definition
a problem; a thing or situation that causes problems
In simple words: How hard something is.
Examples
- The difficulty of the exam surprised many students.
- I had some difficulty understanding the instructions.
- The difficulty increases as you progress to higher levels in the game.
- She found it difficult to cope with her workload.
- His difficulty in speaking English made him feel shy.
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.
Grammar pattern
standalone noun
Memory hint
Think of 'hard' and 'easy' — difficulty is where they meet.
Collocations
- considerable
- enormous
- extreme
- level
- encounter
- experience
- face
- arise
- lie (in something)
- despite a/the difficulty
- in difficulty
- with difficulty
- considerable
- enormous
- extreme
- level
- encounter
- experience
- face
- arise
- lie (in something)
- despite a/the difficulty
- in difficulty
- with difficulty
- considerable
- enormous
- extreme
- level
- encounter
- experience
- face
- arise
- lie (in something)
- despite a/the difficulty
- in difficulty
- with difficulty
Synonyms
- challenge
- obstacle
- hardship
- struggle
- complication
Antonyms
- easy
- simple
- effortless
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'difficult' (adjective) vs. 'difficulty' (noun)
- Using 'difficulties' when referring to multiple challenges
- Overgeneralizing to describe feelings instead of tasks