What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
difficulty
Example
I had difficulty understanding the instructions. [difficulty: noun]
Example
She found it difficult to concentrate with all the noise. [difficult: adjective]
struggle
Example
He struggled to lift the heavy box. [struggled: verb]
Example
The team is struggling to win the game. [struggle: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Difficulty is more commonly used than struggle in everyday language. Difficulty is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while struggle is less common and is often used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between difficulty and struggle?
Both difficulty and struggle can be used in formal and informal contexts, but difficulty is more neutral and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
