Difficulty

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdɪfɪkÊŠlti/, /ˈdɪfɪkÊŒlti/

Origin

From Middle English difficultee, from Old French difficulté, from Latin difficultas, from difficul, older form of difficilis ("hard to do, difficult"), from dis- + facilis ("easy"); see difficile and difficult.

Full definition of difficulty

Noun

1. The state of being difficult, or hard to do.
2. An obstacle that hinders achievement of a goal.We faced a difficulty.

Derived terms

• difficulty level
• with difficulty

Related terms

• difficile
• difficult