difficulty crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on "difficulty crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "difficulty crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
RIGOR: The quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate; severity or strictness, often implying a demanding challenge.
6 Letters
HASSLE: A difficult or annoying situation, often one that causes trouble or takes a lot of effort.
7 Letters
PROBLEM: A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome; an obstacle.
8 Letters
HARDSHIP: Severe suffering or privation; a condition of life that is hard to endure or overcome.
9 Letters
CHALLENGE: A call to someone to participate in a competitive situation or fight to decide who is superior in terms of ability or strength. Also, a task or situation that tests someone's abilities and resolve.
More About "difficulty crossword clue"
The concept of "difficulty" in a crossword clue can be multi-faceted. It often points to a word signifying an obstacle, a problem, a demanding task, or an arduous situation. Crossword setters love to use synonyms that might not be immediately obvious, playing on the nuances of a word's meaning. For example, 'difficulty' might refer to a personal struggle, a challenge in a game, or an inherent complexity of a system.
When encountering such a clue, it's crucial to consider the context of the puzzle, the setter's style, and any connecting letters you've already filled in. A "difficulty" clue could lead to answers ranging from a simple 'HURDLE' to a more complex 'PERPLEXITY'. The best approach is to brainstorm as many synonyms as possible for 'difficulty' and then check them against the given letter count and any confirmed letters.
Understanding the common tricks setters use, such as homophones, anagrams, or double meanings, can also unlock seemingly tough clues. A clue like "It's hard work (4)" might lead to 'TOIL', while "Obstacle for a runner (6)" could be 'BARRIER'. Always think broadly about the definition, but narrow it down with the constraints of the puzzle.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: Many "difficulty" clues are not straightforward definitions. Look for indicators of anagrams (e.g., "confused," "muddled"), reversals (e.g., "about," "returned"), or hidden words (e.g., "part of the prOBLem ENdured").
- Consider Multiple Meanings: Words related to "difficulty" often have several connotations. 'Strain' could mean stress, a type of injury, or even a melody. 'Grit' could be courage or small particles. Explore all possibilities before settling on an answer.
- Use Crossing Letters Strategically: If you're stuck on "difficulty," try to solve its crossing clues first. Even one or two confirmed letters can drastically narrow down the possibilities for a difficult word and help you see the solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tackle a difficult crossword clue?
Start by looking for synonyms, common phrases, or breaking down the clue into its components. Consider the word length and any crossing letters you already have from other answers. Sometimes, the clue is a pun or requires lateral thinking, so consider alternative meanings of words.
What makes a crossword clue 'difficult'?
A clue can be deemed 'difficult' due to cryptic phrasing, obscure vocabulary, clever wordplay, puns, or references to niche knowledge. Often, it's about finding the precise synonym or interpretation the puzzle setter intended, which might not be the most obvious one.
Are there common patterns for 'difficulty' clues in crosswords?
Clues for 'difficulty' often relate to challenges, problems, obstacles, or the inherent hardness of a task or situation. Look for words or phrases that imply struggle, an uphill battle, a hurdle, a test, or something that requires significant effort or resilience to overcome.