/ ˈdɪfɪkəlti; NAmE / noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ C , usually pl. , U ] a problem; a thing or situation that causes problems :
the difficulties of English syntax
children with severe learning difficulties
We've run into difficulties / difficulty with the new project.
He got into difficulties while swimming and had to be rescued.
The bank is in difficulty / difficulties .
It was a time fraught with difficulties and frustration.
2.
[ U ] the state or quality of being hard to do or to understand; the effort that sth involves :
I had considerable difficulty (in) persuading her to leave.
I had no difficulty (in) making myself understood.
The changes were made with surprisingly little difficulty.
He spoke slowly and with great difficulty.
We found the house without difficulty .
They discussed the difficulty of studying abroad.
HELP NOTE : You cannot say 'have difficulty to do sth': I had difficulty to persuade her to leave.
3.
[ U ] how hard sth is :
varying levels of difficulty
questions of increasing difficulty
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the senses requiring effort or skill and something difficult ): from Latin difficultas , from dis- (expressing reversal) + facultas ability, opportunity.