Difficult

/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

hard to do, make, or carry out; requiring much effort or skill.

The test was difficult, and many students struggled to finish it.

not easy to understand or deal with.

The difficult concepts in the lecture left many of the students confused.

requiring unusual or considerable effort to overcome.

She found it difficult to adapt to the new work environment.

characterized by complexity or complications.

The negotiations were difficult due to the differing goals of both parties.

hard to please, manage, or control.

He was known for being a difficult customer who would never settle for less.

Latin difficilis, from dis- 'not' + facilis 'easy'.

difficult situation

A challenging or problematic scenario.

difficult time

A period characterized by stress or hardship.

difficult to please

Not easily satisfied or content.

challenge

A call to engage in a contest or competition.

strenuous

Requiring considerable effort and exertion.

complex

Consisting of many different and connected parts.

A tough nut to crack

He’s a tough nut to crack when it comes to negotiations.

A hard row to hoe

They have a hard row to hoe with that project.