Commentary: an effort that is inconvenient
He had difficulty walking.
She finished the test with great difficulty.
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 1
Commentary: DIFFICULTY[+event] a factor causing trouble in achieving a positive result or tending to produce a negative result
Serious difficulties were encountered in obtaining a pure reagent.
Their financial difficulties lasted six months.
Those difficulties could've been prevented with proper preparations.
The car accident, the house fire, and his broken foot were just three of the difficulties he attributed to his superstitions.
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 2 3
Commentary: the quality of being difficult
They agreed about the difficulty of the climb.
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 4