difficulty

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfɪk(ə)lti/

noun (plural difficulties)

[mass noun]
  • the state or condition of being difficult: Guy had no difficulty in making friends I managed with difficulty to struggle upright
  • [count noun] a thing that is hard to accomplish, deal with, or understand: there is a practical difficulty a club with financial difficulties
  • (difficulties) a situation that is difficult or dangerous: they went for a swim but got into difficulties

Origin:

late Middle English (in the senses 'requiring effort or skill' and 'something difficult'): from Latin difficultas, from dis- (expressing reversal) + facultas 'ability, opportunity'