Definition of difficulty

< difficult

diffidence >

dif·fi·cul·ty    (df-klt, -kl-) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. dif·fi·cul·ties

1. The condition or quality of being difficult: the difficulty of a task.
2. Something not easily done, accomplished, comprehended, or solved.
3. A troublesome or embarrassing state of affairs, especially of financial affairs. Often used in the plural.
4. A laborious effort; a struggle; trouble: had difficulty walking; completed the test with difficulty.
5. A disagreement or dispute.
6. Reluctance or an objection; unwillingness.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English difficulte, from Old French dificulte, from Latin difficults, from difficilis, difficult : dis-, dis- + facilis, easy; see dh- in Indo-European roots

SYNONYMS:
difficulty, hardship, rigor, vicissitude

These nouns denote something that requires great effort to overcome: grappling with financial difficulties; a life of hardship; undergoing the rigors of prison; withstood the vicissitudes of an army career.