English Reference

Word

difficulties

Phoneticsdif·fi·cul·ties, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈdɪfəkəɫtiz/

UK/dˈɪfɪkˌʌltɪz/

Definitions

01problems or obstacles

B1 · Intermediate Plural noun

n. problems or things that are not easy to deal with.

n. multiple instances of problems, obstacles, or challenges that require effort to overcome.

“The climbers ran into some difficulties when the weather suddenly changed.”

“The project faced several technical difficulties during the initial testing phase, which delayed the official launch by several weeks.”

02financial or personal trouble

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Formal

n. serious problems, especially when you do not have enough money.

n. a state of hardship or distress, particularly regarding financial stability or personal circumstances.

“The company is having financial difficulties and might have to close.”

“The family experienced significant financial difficulties following the sudden closure of the local factory, necessitating a move to a more affordable area.”

03frustrations

B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Informal

n. a series of annoying things that happen one after another.

n. a sequence of minor frustrations or complications that impede progress.

“I've had nothing but difficulties with this new phone since I bought it.”

“Despite the minor difficulties encountered during the commute, the speaker arrived just in time to deliver the keynote address.”

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Frequency
Common
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/difficulties

English Reference