Language is rich with synonyms that add variety and precision to our descriptions. When something is hard to do, describing it merely as “difficult” might not fully capture the essence of the challenge. Whether you’re writing, speaking, or trying to enhance your vocabulary, knowing different ways to express the concept of difficulty can be incredibly useful. This blog post explores 20 alternative expressions to “difficult,” each with a brief definition and a simple example to help you understand and use these terms effectively.
Ways To Say Difficult
1. Challenging
Meaning: Requires significant effort or skill.
Example: The puzzle was challenging.
2. Tough
Meaning: Physically or mentally demanding.
Example: It’s a tough job.
3. Complicated
Meaning: Not simple, involving many parts.
Example: The instructions were complicated.
4. Arduous
Meaning: Involving a lot of effort and energy.
Example: Climbing the mountain was arduous.
5. Tricky
Meaning: Difficult to deal with or understand.
Example: The negotiation was tricky.
6. Daunting
Meaning: Intimidating or disheartening.
Example: The task ahead is daunting.
7. Laborious
Meaning: Requiring considerable time and effort.
Example: Writing the book was laborious.
8. Taxing
Meaning: Physically or mentally demanding.
Example: The project was taxing.
9. Demanding
Meaning: Requiring much skill or effort.
Example: The role is very demanding.
10. Grueling
Meaning: Extremely tiring and demanding.
Example: The training was grueling.
11. Onerous
Meaning: Burdensome or heavy.
Example: The responsibilities are onerous.
12. Thorough
Meaning: Done with great attention to detail.
Example: The review process is thorough.
13. Rigorous
Meaning: Extremely thorough and careful.
Example: The exam was rigorous.
14. Herculean
Meaning: Requiring great strength or effort.
Example: It was a Herculean task.
15. Intricate
Meaning: Very detailed or complicated.
Example: The design is intricate.
16. Strenuous
Meaning: Requiring a lot of energy and stamina.
Example: The hike was strenuous.
17. Harsh
Meaning: Extremely unkind or difficult.
Example: The conditions were harsh.
18. Formidable
Meaning: Inspiring fear or respect through being powerful.
Example: A formidable opponent.
19. Exhausting
Meaning: Making you feel extremely tired.
Example: The schedule was exhausting.
20. Intense
Meaning: Very strong; very great.
Example: The course was intense.
