Difficult means hard to do, understand, or deal with. A difficult math problem requires real concentration and effort to solve. A difficult hike might involve steep climbs, tricky footing, or a long distance that tests your endurance. A difficult conversation is one where you need to discuss something uncomfortable or complicated.

The word tells you that something requires extra effort, skill, patience, or courage. What makes something difficult varies from person to person: a piano piece that's difficult for a beginner might be easy for someone who's practiced for years. A social situation that feels difficult for a shy person might feel natural to someone more outgoing.

When you describe a person as difficult, you usually mean they're hard to get along with or please. A difficult customer at a restaurant might complain constantly or make unreasonable demands. A difficult teammate might refuse to cooperate or argue with every suggestion.

Here's something important: difficult isn't the same as impossible. Difficult things can be done, they just take more work. When you tackle something difficult and succeed, you've usually learned something valuable. The difficulty itself often makes the accomplishment more meaningful.