difficulty

plural difficulties

1. countableuncountableThe state of being difficult, or hard to do.

   My mom is old and has a lot of difficulty (in) remembering all her grandchildren's names.

2. countableuncountableAn obstacle that hinders achievement of a goal.

   We faced a difficulty in trying to book a flight so late.

   2 more examples

   The difficulties of photoheliography consist principally in the rapidity with which the sun's image acts upon the sensitive film.

   1860, Photographic news for amateur photographers, volumes 3-4, page 113

   The two-hour debate was briefly stalled by a technical difficulty with the moderators’ microphones.

   2019 June 27, Lauren Gambino, “Democratic 2020 candidates clash on healthcare, immigration and economy in first debate”, in The Guardian

   Synonyms: trouble

3. countablein pluralsometimesuncountablePhysical danger from the environment, especially with risk of drowning

   2012 August 2, "Children rescued after getting into difficulties in Donegal" BBC Online

   3 more examples

   The three teenagers, a girl and two boys, were playing by the river when it is believed they got into difficulty.

   2016 February 24, Catherine Shanahan, “Boy, 13, drowns after getting into difficulty in river”, in Irish Examiner

   Members of the public had called 999 as they were concerned the kayaker was in difficulty around the headland race due to very strong spring tides and choppy seas with the kayaker making no headway.

   2016 March 14, “Kayaker rescued after getting into difficulty”, in Bournemouth Echo

   A group of young people had to be rescued from Dartmoor on Friday night after getting into difficulty during a Duke of Edinburgh exercise. […] A 16-year-old girl required medical attention and a medic was winched down to the site by helicopter.

   2016 March 19, Neil Shaw, “Teens rescued from Dartmoor after getting into difficulty”, in Plymouth Herald

4. countableuncountableAn objection.
5. countableuncountableThat which cannot be easily understood or believed.
6. countableuncountableAn awkward situation or quarrel.