difficulty difficulty /ˈdɪfɪˌkəlti/

noun

1. () An effort that is inconvenient  ( trouble , difficulty )
   an effort that is inconvenient
    I went to a lot of trouble
   I went to a lot of trouble
    He won without any trouble
   he won without any trouble
    Had difficulty walking
   had difficulty walking
    Finished the test only with great difficulty
   finished the test only with great difficulty
   
2. () A factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result  ( difficulty )
   a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result
    Serious difficulties were encountered in obtaining a pure reagent
   serious difficulties were encountered in obtaining a pure reagent
   
3. () A condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome  ( difficulty )
   a condition or state of affairs almost beyond one's ability to deal with and requiring great effort to bear or overcome
    Grappling with financial difficulties
   grappling with financial difficulties
   
4. () The quality of being difficult  ( difficultness , difficulty )
   the quality of being difficult
    They agreed about the difficulty of the climb
   they agreed about the difficulty of the climb