Spanish word

dificultad

Pronunciation

IPA/difikulˈtað/

Meaning

  • feminine noundifficulty

Example

Tengo dificultad para hablar en público.

I have difficulty speaking in public.

Illustration for dificultad (difficulty)

More examples

Superó la dificultad con ayuda de sus amigos.

He overcame the difficulty with help from his friends.

Core concept

A steep uphill climb that slows progress.

Common phrases

  • tener dificultad para

    have difficulty doing

  • con dificultad

    with difficulty

  • superar la dificultad

    overcome difficulty

Similar words

problema: Generates an issue or complication that demands a remedy.
obstáculo: Presents a concrete or obvious obstacle that stops forward progress.
impedimento: Functions as a personal or situational hindrance to carrying out actions.

Definition in Spanish

Situación o circunstancia que hace que una acción o tarea sea difícil de realizar.

Word origin

From Latin difficultas, formed from difficilis (dis- 'not' + facilis 'easy'), literally 'not easy' and giving the modern noun meaning 'difficulty'.

Usage tips

  • Tener dificultad para + infinitive expresses 'have difficulty doing something', and con dificultad conveys 'with difficulty' in natural Spanish.

Other meanings

  • obstaclenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word