Definition of "difficulty"

difficulty

/ˈdɪfɪkəlti/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural difficulties
1. The state of being difficult, or hard to do.
2. An obstacle that hinders achievement of a goal.
  Quotations
  The two-hour debate was briefly stalled by a technical difficulty with the moderators’ microphones.
  2019 June 27, Lauren Gambino, “Democratic 2020 candidates clash on healthcare, immigration and economy in first debate”, in The Guardian‎
3. (sometimes in the plural) Physical danger from the environment, especially with risk of drowning
  Quotations
  2016 March 30, Alan Thompson, “Diver taken to hospital after getting into difficulties at Stoney Cove diving centre”, in Leicester Mercury
  The three teenagers, a girl and two boys, were playing by the river when it is believed they got into difficulty.
  2016 February 24, Catherine Shanahan, “Boy, 13, drowns after getting into difficulty in river”, in Irish Examiner
  Members of the public had called 999 as they were concerned the kayaker was in difficulty around the headland race due to very strong spring tides and choppy seas with the kayaker making no headway.
  2016 March 14, “Kayaker rescued after getting into difficulty”, in Bournemouth Echo‎
  A group of young people had to be rescued from Dartmoor on Friday night after getting into difficulty during a Duke of Edinburgh exercise. […] A 16-year-old girl required medical attention and a medic was winched down to the site by helicopter.
  2016 March 19, Neil Shaw, “Teens rescued from Dartmoor after getting into difficulty”, in Plymouth Herald
4. An objection.
5. That which cannot be easily understood or believed.
6. An awkward situation or quarrel.

Definition of "difficulty"

difficulty

noun

Quotations

Quotations