D defs.my
Entry 4 senses Webster, 1913

Difficulty

/dĭf'-ək-əl-tē/ · Dif·fi·cul·ty · IPA /ˈdɪfɪkəlti/
01 n. The state of being difficult, or hard to do; hardness; arduousness; -- opposed to easiness or facility; as, the difficulty of a task or ent…
pl. Difficulties ((#))
  1. 1.
    The state of being difficult, or hard to do; hardness; arduousness; -- opposed to easiness or facility; as, the difficulty of a task or enterprise; a work of difficulty.
    “Not being able to promote them [the interests of life] on account of the difficulty of the region.” — James Byrne.
  2. 2.
    Something difficult; a thing hard to do or to understand; that which occasions labor or perplexity, and requires skill and perseverance to overcome, solve, or achieve; a hard enterprise; an obstacle; an impediment; as, the difficulties of a science; difficulties in theology.
    “They lie under some difficulties by reason of the emperor's displeasure.” Addison.
  3. 3.
    A controversy; a falling out; a disagreement; an objection; a cavil.
    “Measures for terminating all local difficulties.” Bancroft.
  4. 4.
    Embarrassment of affairs, especially financial affairs; -- usually in the plural; as, to be in difficulties.
    “In days of difficulty and pressure.” Tennyson.