difficult
1. [ adjective ] not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
Synonyms: hard
Examples:

"a difficult task" "difficult times" "a difficult child" "found himself in a difficult situation" "why is it so hard for you to keep a secret?"

Related terms: easy rugged ambitious troublesome awkward trying hard-fought rocky baffling hard-fought delicate herculean thorny tall vexed nasty fractious catchy arduous stubborn serious hard demanding effortful difficulty
2. [ adjective ] requiring much effort and trouble
Examples:

"the mountain climb was long, steep, and difficult"

Related terms: effortful
Similar spelling:   difficulty