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difficult

adjective
dif·​fi·​cult | \ ˈdi-fi-(ËŒ)kÉ™lt How to pronounce difficult (audio) \

Definition of difficult

1 : hard to do, make, or carry out : arduous a difficult climb
2a : hard to deal with, manage, or overcome a difficult child having a difficult time coping with her death
b : hard to understand : puzzling difficult reading found calculus too difficult
Other Words from difficult Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about difficult

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Other Words from difficult

difficultly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for difficult

hard, difficult, arduous mean demanding great exertion or effort. hard implies the opposite of all that is easy. farming is hard work difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage. the difficult ascent of the mountain arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion. the arduous task of rebuilding

Examples of difficult in a Sentence

We were asked lots of difficult questions. I had to make a very difficult decision. We'll be hiking over difficult terrain. It's more difficult than it sounds. I found myself in a difficult position. Some difficult days lie ahead of us. These changes will make life difficult for everyone involved.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 If there is a move that can save a draw from a difficult position, a computer will find it. — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, "Magnus Carlsen Was Defeated, But the Draw Remains Dominant in Chess," 30 Aug. 2019 In a confessional, Akinyi expresses that her brother is difficult to please. — Eric Todisco, PEOPLE.com, "Before the 90 Days' Benjamin Is Far from Comfortable When He Meets Akinyi’s Family in New Promo," 30 Aug. 2019 But for some people, officials warn, the process may be long and difficult. — Robert Mccoppin, chicagotribune.com, "Expunging marijuana convictions: What you need to know," 30 Aug. 2019 Be aware that the Falcon is difficult to capture in one selfie. — Patrick Connolly, orlandosentinel.com, "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has plenty of selfie opportunities," 29 Aug. 2019 UConn football will kick off its 2019 season Thursday against Wagner, looking to bounce back from a difficult 2018. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, "UConn football vs. Wagner: time, how to watch, broadcasters, weather, betting line, preview," 29 Aug. 2019 Creditors can ask the court to lift the stay under certain circumstances, but the standard for doing so is often difficult to meet. — Lindsey Simon, The Conversation, "Why companies file for bankruptcy – and how it protects both debtors and creditors," 29 Aug. 2019 His choice was rooted, in part, by a childhood memory of his mother’s difficult recovery period after her tubal ligation. — Dara T. Mathis, SELF, "We Need to Stop Acting Like Vasectomies Are Heroic," 29 Aug. 2019 Despite stellar name recognition and a devoted cult following, the Waco homes transformed by Fixer Upper power couple Chip and Joanna Gaines have proven notoriously difficult to sell. — Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: These 3 Fixer Upper Houses Can’t Seem to Sell," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'difficult.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of difficult

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for difficult

Middle English, probably back-formation from difficulte difficulty

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More Definitions for difficult

difficult

adjective
How to pronounce difficult (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of difficult

: not easy : requiring much work or skill to do or make
: not easy to deal with or manage
: not willing to help others by changing your behavior : stubborn or unreasonable

See the full definition for difficult in the English Language Learners Dictionary

difficult

adjective
dif·​fi·​cult | \ ˈdi-fi-ËŒkÉ™lt How to pronounce difficult (audio) \

Kids Definition of difficult

1 : not easy : hard to do or make a difficult job

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