difficulty
n.-
1 being hard to do (n.) B1 Intermediatethe quality of being hard to do, understand, or deal with.
the state or quality of being difficult; the degree of effort required to complete a task.
ExampleThe students had great difficulty understanding the complex grammar rules.
ExampleThe climbers underestimated the difficulty of the ascent, finding that the final ridge required far more technical skill than the map suggested.
Usageoften used uncountably with the verbs 'have' or 'find'.
PitfallI had a difficulty to finish the work.I had difficulty finishing the work.When using 'difficulty' as an uncountable noun for effort, follow it with a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive.
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2 a specific problem (n.) B1 Intermediatea problem or obstacle that makes it hard to achieve something.
a specific obstacle or problem that hinders progress or achievement.
ExampleWe ran into several technical difficulties during the live broadcast.
ExampleDespite numerous bureaucratic difficulties, the charity successfully delivered the medical supplies to the remote mountain village.
Usagecountable in this sense.
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3 trouble or danger (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea situation where you are in trouble, especially with money or safety.
a state of embarrassment, trouble, or distress, particularly regarding financial or physical circumstances.
ExampleThe company is in financial difficulty and might have to close.
ExampleThe coastguard was alerted when a small sailing vessel appeared to be in difficulty several miles off the rocky coast.
Usageoften used in the phrase 'in difficulty' or 'in difficulties'.
From Middle English difficulte, from Middle French and Anglo-Norman difficulte and their etymon Latin difficultas, from difficul, older form of difficilis (“hard to do, difficult”), from dis- + facilis (“easy”); see difficile and difficult. Equivalent to dis- + facile + -ty. Also analysable as difficult + -y, though the adjective is historically a backformation from the noun.