Definition of DIFFICULT (original) (raw)

: hard to do, make, or carry out : arduous

: hard to deal with, manage, or overcome

having a difficult time coping with her death

: hard to understand : puzzling

found calculus too difficult

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for difficult

difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage.

the difficult ascent of the mountain

arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.

the arduous task of rebuilding

Examples of difficult in a Sentence

We were asked lots of difficult questions. I had to make a very difficult decision. We'll be hiking over difficult terrain. It's more difficult than it sounds. I found myself in a difficult position. Some difficult days lie ahead of us. These changes will make life difficult for everyone involved.

Recent Examples on the Web

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Challenges of an Airline Pilot's Lifestyle Beyond the technical demands of the job, Wallach said the most difficult part of being a pilot was the lifestyle—particularly as a single parent. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025 An aviation expert, along with the Army pilot, tells PEOPLE that Reagan National Airport can be especially difficult to fly into. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025 With Vandersloot secured, the Sky face a difficult decision: Will their backcourt benefit more from drafting a guard or adding another high-caliber veteran? —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025 Those are the kinds of things that make (Trenin) a difficult player to play against. —Joe Smith, The Athletic, 30 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for difficult