# difficulties

/ˈdɪfəkəɫtiz/ (US) · /dˈɪfɪkˌʌltɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/difficulties
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. problems or obstacles

noun · CEFR B1

problems or things that are not easy to deal with.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. financial or personal trouble

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. frustrations

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a series of annoying things that happen one after another.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The students had some difficulties with the homework.
- The project faced several technical difficulties during the first week of testing.
- Despite experiencing significant financial difficulties during the early stages of the startup, the founders remained committed to their original vision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.