/dif"i kul'tee, -keuhl tee/ , n. , pl. difficulties .
1. the fact or condition of being difficult.
2. Often, difficulties . an embarrassing situation, esp. of financial affairs.
3. a trouble or struggle.
4. a cause of trouble, struggle, or embarrassment.
5. a disagreement or dispute.
6. reluctance; unwillingness.
7. a demur; objection.
8. something that is hard to do, understand, or surmount; an impediment or obstacle.
[ 1350-1400; ME difficulte ( difficultas, equiv. to difficil ( is ) DIFFICILE + -tas -TY 2 ]
Syn. 2. dilemma, predicament, quandary, plight, fix, exigency, strait. 3. problem.