difficult

The word describes a struggle against resistance, whether that resistance is intellectual, physical, or emotional. It suggests a gap between current capability and the requirement for success. When applied to tasks, it is neutral but leans toward a challenge. Unlike "hard," which can imply physical solidity or harshness, "difficult" often carries a connotation of complexity or intricacy that requires patience and skill to resolve. When applied to people, it shifts into a negative social judgment. It implies an inherent stubbornness or an unreasonable nature, suggesting the person is intentionally obstructive or emotionally volatile.