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When challenges collide: comparing "obstacle" and "difficulty"
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 20/11/2024, 05:30
Lloyd Cooper 20/11/2024, 05:30English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "obstacle" and "difficulty" refer to challenges or hindrances that impede progress or make a task more demanding.
What is different?
"Obstacle" often refers to a physical barrier or a specific hindrance that needs to be overcome, while "difficulty" is more general and abstract, referring to the complexity or arduousness of a task or situation.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Obstacle- The fallen tree was an obstacle in our path during the hike.
- She faced many obstacles but managed to achieve her dreams.
- The language barrier was a significant obstacle in the negotiation process.
- He had difficulty understanding the complex instructions.
- The difficulty of the math problem made it hard to solve.
- She faced great difficulty in balancing her work and personal life.
Difference
