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difficult

Difficult is an adjective used to describe things that are hard to do or understand, or people who are hard to please or manage. It is a common word used in most contexts, from casual conversation to formal writing. When describing a person, "difficult" often carries a negative connotation, implying they are uncooperative, demanding, or troublesome. For example, 'a difficult child' or 'a difficult customer.'

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Late night in Chloe's messy dorm room.
Karen Smith

Hey, still up? Just checking in about your essay.

Karen Smith
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith

Ugh, Mom. This philosophy paper is so difficult, I'm actually spiraling.

💡
Chloe uses 'spiraling,' a common term among younger generations to describe feeling overwhelmed and anxious, emphasizing her dramatic nature. Karen is checking in on her, which Chloe, being a student overwhelmed with work, perceives as a minor intrusion. 'Difficult' is central to Chloe's complaint about her academic stress.

Meanings

adjective

Requiring a lot of effort, skill, or thought to do, understand, or deal with.

"a very difficult puzzle"

adjective

Of a person, hard to please, manage, or deal with; troublesome.

"a difficult boss"

Examples

This last level is so difficult, I keep dying!

Finding an apartment is proving incredibly difficult right now.

I know it's difficult, but try to listen.

That new client is incredibly difficult to please.

It's just difficult to make ends meet, you know?

Sometimes, understanding people can be so difficult.

Last Updated: May 10, 2026Report an Error