What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
difficult
Example
The exam was difficult, but I managed to pass it. [difficult: adjective]
Example
It's difficult to learn a new language, but it's worth the effort. [difficult: adjective]
Example
My boss is a difficult person to work with. [difficult: adjective]
tricky
Example
The math problem was tricky, but I finally figured it out. [tricky: adjective]
Example
It's a tricky situation, and we need to be careful how we handle it. [tricky: adjective]
Example
Be careful dealing with him, he's a tricky person. [tricky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Difficult is more commonly used than tricky in everyday language. Difficult is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while tricky is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between difficult and tricky?
Both difficult and tricky can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, difficult is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, while tricky is more informal and may not be suitable for formal situations.
