B1noun2K

Difficulty

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