difficult

adjective

dif·​fi·​cult ˈdi-fi-(ˌ)kəlt How to pronounce difficult (audio)
1
: hard to do, make, or carry out : arduous
a difficult climb
2
a
: hard to deal with, manage, or overcome
a difficult child
having a difficult time coping with her death
b
: hard to understand : puzzling
difficult reading
found calculus too difficult
difficultly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for difficult

hard, difficult, arduous mean demanding great exertion or effort.

hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.

farming is hard work

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Chamber said the cancellation was a difficult decision but ultimately the best course of action. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025 Palace’s recruitment strategy depends on selling players, however difficult such deals are to stomach. Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2025 Chapa said at the news conference that making a final decision was difficult. Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Aug. 2025 But for high-quality art, the subtle emotion conveyed in an actor’s voice, facial expressions, and movement will be difficult to replicate with AI alone. Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for difficult

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, probably back-formation from difficulte difficulty

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of difficult was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Difficult.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/difficult. Accessed 27 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

difficult

adjective
dif·​fi·​cult ˈdif-i-(ˌ)kəlt How to pronounce difficult (audio)
1
: hard to do, make, or carry out
a difficult climb
2
a
: hard to deal with, manage, or overcome
a difficult child
b
: hard to understand : puzzling
difficult reading
difficultly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on difficult

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