Difficult Meaning

UK /ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
US /ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
Word Definition
difficult meaning

Difficult Definition & Usage

adjective

Hard to do, understand, or deal with.

Examples

  • "This is a difficult task that requires a lot of focus."
  • "She found the exam questions difficult to answer."
  • "The difficult conversation made her feel anxious."
  • "The difficult weather conditions delayed the flight."
  • "He faced a difficult decision regarding his career."
adjective

Referring to someone who is hard to please or communicate with.

Examples

  • "Her difficult personality made it hard for her to keep friends."
  • "He's known for being a difficult boss to work for."
  • "They say she's difficult to get along with in social settings."
  • "The teacher was difficult and often critical of students."
  • "Despite being talented, he was a difficult person to work with."
adjective

Characterized by complicated or intricate features.

Examples

  • "The difficult mathematical problem took several hours to solve."
  • "This novel has a difficult narrative structure to follow."
  • "The project faced difficult logistics due to multiple moving parts."
  • "The difficult terrain made the hike more exhausting."
  • "The machine has a difficult user interface that requires training."

Cultural Context

The word 'difficult' has evolved from the Latin 'difficilis,' meaning 'hard to do,' into its modern English form. It has been in use for centuries, frequently describing challenges or obstacles, both physical and mental. The word is integral to everyday language and often used to describe a range of difficulties people encounter in various aspects of life, from work and education to relationships and emotions.

The Difficult Decision

Story

The Difficult Decision

It was a cold winter evening when Max stood by the window, staring out at the city lights. He had just received an unexpected phone call. His father, who had been struggling with his health, was now in the hospital again. Max had always been close to his father, but the past few years had been filled with difficult conversations and strained relations. Despite their rocky relationship, the weight of the situation hung over him. He had to make a difficult choice: stay and take care of his father or continue pursuing his career overseas. As he pondered the options, he thought back to his childhood. His father had always pushed him to do his best, even when the tasks seemed difficult. But now, Max wasn’t sure if he could balance his personal and professional life in a way that would satisfy everyone. That night, he realized that difficult decisions don’t always have easy answers, and sometimes the hardest part is accepting that.

The Difficult Decision