Definition of “Difficult”
The word “difficult” is an adjective that describes something that is not easy to do, understand, or deal with. It often implies complexity, hardship, or a high degree of effort required to accomplish a task.
Strongest Synonyms
These words closely match the meaning of “difficult” and can be used interchangeably in most contexts:
- Challenging
- Arduous
- Tough
- Strenuous
- Demanding
- Grueling
- Laborious
- Herculean
- Exhausting
- Formidable
Strong Synonyms
These words are strong alternatives to “difficult” but may carry additional nuances:
- Complicated
- Complex
- Hard
- Taxing
- Rigorous
- Burdensome
- Onerous
- Uphill
Weak Synonyms
These words are somewhat related to “difficult” but might not always be a perfect substitute:
- Tricky
- Problematic
- Tedious
- Cumbersome
- Awkward
- Uncomfortable
- Irritating
- Bothersome
Example Sentences
- The final exam was so difficult that only a few students passed with high grades.
- Climbing Mount Everest is an arduous journey that requires months of preparation.
- Managing multiple projects at once can be quite challenging.
- The puzzle was complex, but she solved it in record time.
- He found the instructions to be confusing and hard to follow.
Contextual Usage
The word “difficult” is commonly used in various contexts:
Academic Context:
- “Understanding quantum physics is difficult without a solid background in mathematics.”
- “Writing a dissertation requires rigorous research and analysis.”
Professional Context:
- “Managing a team remotely can be challenging, but proper communication tools help.”
- “Meeting the tight deadline was tough, but the team pulled through.”
Personal Context:
- “It was a burdensome task to move all our belongings to the new house.”
- “Saying goodbye to old friends is always emotionally difficult.”
Related Words
- Difficulty (noun) – “She overcame the difficulty of learning a new language.”
- Difficultly (adverb) – “He spoke difficultly, struggling with his emotions.”
- Obstinate (adjective) – “He was obstinate and refused to change his opinion.”
- Resilient (adjective) – “She remained resilient despite the difficult circumstances.”
Additional Information
Etymology
The word “difficult” comes from the Latin difficilis, a combination of dis- (meaning “not”) and facilis (meaning “easy”).
Common Collocations
- Difficult decision – “It was a difficult decision to leave my hometown.”
- Difficult situation – “They found themselves in a difficult situation with no easy way out.”
- Difficult question – “The professor asked a difficult question that stumped the students.”
Disclaimer
This page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, word meanings and connotations may vary based on context, dialect, and evolving language usage. Always consider the specific context when choosing a synonym or alternative word.
