Difficulties
/ˈdɪfɪkəltiz/
Definitions
A state or instance of trouble or hardship; a thing that is difficult to do or understand.
/ˈdɪfɪkəltiz/
Things that are hard to do or understand; problems.
The team overcame numerous difficulties to win the championship.
💡 Simply: Think of the times something's tricky, like when a toy breaks or a puzzle is hard. Those tough moments, those are difficulties.
👶 For kids: When something is hard to do or understand, that's a difficulty!
More Examples
She had difficulties communicating with people who spoke different languages.
The project faced several technical difficulties.
How It's Used
"The company faced financial difficulties."
"Students often experience difficulties with complex concepts."
"The government is working to resolve economic difficulties."
Idioms & expressions
face difficulties
To experience or encounter challenges or problems.
"The company is expected to face significant difficulties in the coming year."
run into difficulties
To begin experiencing problems or obstacles.
"The project ran into difficulties due to lack of funding."
solve difficulties
To find a way to overcome problems or challenges.
"The team worked tirelessly to solve the difficulties."
From Middle English *difficulte*, from Old French *difficulte*, from Latin *difficultas* ('difficulty'), from *difficilis* ('difficult') (from *dis-* ('apart, not') + *facilis* ('easy')).
The word 'difficulties' has been used since the Middle Ages to describe problems and challenges. Its usage has remained relatively consistent, often appearing in both formal and informal contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a difficult puzzle – all the pieces are the 'difficulties'.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: difficilis