dif·fi·cul·ty 
/ˈdɪfɪkəlti/ noun
plural dif·fi·cul·ties /ˈdɪfɪkəlti/ noun 1 [noncount] : the quality of something that makes it hard to do : the difficult nature of something
▪ He has difficulty [=trouble] reading without his glasses. [=it is difficult for him to read without his glasses] ▪ She underestimated the difficulty of saving so much money. ▪ They had some difficulty (in) explaining their behavior. ◊If something can be done with difficulty, it is difficult to do.
▪ It was only with (great/considerable) difficulty that we were able to continue. ◊To do something without difficulty is to do it easily or without problems.
▪ I couldn't breathe without difficulty. 2 [count] : something that is not easy to do or to deal with : a difficult situation — usually plural ▪ He had to overcome many difficulties. [=hardships] ▪ Since the election, the country has been facing serious economic/financial difficulties. ▪ This television station is currently experiencing technical difficulties. [=having technical problems] 3 [count] : a disagreement in opinion — usually plural ▪ The partners have been unable to iron out their difficulties. = They haven't been able to resolve their difficulties.
▪ He has difficulty [=trouble] reading without his glasses. [=it is difficult for him to read without his glasses] ▪ She underestimated the difficulty of saving so much money. ▪ They had some difficulty (in) explaining their behavior. ◊If something can be done with difficulty, it is difficult to do.
▪ It was only with (great/considerable) difficulty that we were able to continue. ◊To do something without difficulty is to do it easily or without problems.
▪ I couldn't breathe without difficulty.
