Dictionary
Find
in
Dictionary
Thesaurus
Translations

Click to move up the list of words
differential equation
differential gear
differential rotation
differentiate
differentiated product
differentiation
differing
difficult
difficulty
diffident
diffract
diffraction
diffraction grating
diffraction ring
diffractometer
diffuse (1)
diffuse (2)
Click to move down the list of words
Print Preview
See pronunciation key
Search for "difficul..." in all of MSN Encarta
E-mail this entry
Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces
Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

difficulty

dif·fi·cul·ty [ díffikəltee ]


noun  (plural dif·fi·cul·ties)
Definition:
 
1. quality of being difficult: the quality of being hard to do, understand, or deal with

2. something not easily done: something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with

3. effort: a great effort or struggle to do something

4. dispute: a dispute or controversy



plural noun dif·fi·cul·ties 
Definition:
 
1. trouble: a situation full of trouble, danger, or embarrassment
Even a strong swimmer can get into difficulties in this river.

2. objections: objections or attempts to prevent the progress of something
You're supposed to be here to help, not make difficulties.

[14th century. < Latin difficultas< difficilis "not easy" < facilis (see facile)]
Advertisement

Also on Encarta
Englishtown: Learn English online
Our Partners
Also on MSN
Encarta Message Boards (© Rubberball/Jupiterimages)
MSN Shopping
Upgrade your Encarta experience
Encarta RSS Feeds
© 2008 Microsoft