Alternatives to Very Difficult: 7 Powerful Words for Real Challenges
If you constantly write or say very difficult whenever something feels hard, you’re not alone. This guide shows you stronger alternatives to very difficult so you can describe real challenges more precisely in exams, essays, and everyday English.
Why “Very Difficult” Makes Your English Sound Weaker
The phrase very difficult tells us that something is hard, but it doesn’t explain what kind of difficulty you mean. Is it technically complex? Physically exhausting? Emotionally overwhelming? When you rely on “very difficult” for everything, you hide useful detail.
It hides the real type of difficulty
A “very difficult exam” and a “very difficult conversation” are not difficult in the same way. One may be complex and full of tricky questions; the other may be emotionally demanding. Using the same phrase for both makes your description vague and less memorable.
It sounds basic in academic and test writing
In SAT, ACT, IELTS, and TOEFL writing, repeated “very difficult” suggests limited vocabulary. Examiners expect stronger words for very difficult that match the situation, like challenging, arduous, or formidable. These adjectives show control, precision, and advanced English expression.
It doesn’t match serious real-world challenges
When you describe long-term problems—such as climate change, economic crises, or personal struggles— “very difficult” feels too simple. Choosing precise adjectives for difficulty helps the reader understand how serious, complex, or exhausting the situation truly is.
Why We Keep Saying “Very Difficult” (Even When We Know Better)
Still catching yourself using “very difficult” again and again? That’s normal. Most learners fall back on this phrase out of habit—even when they already know synonyms for very difficult. Your brain chooses the safest, simplest option unless you train it to reach for richer vocabulary.
It’s an early expression we learned
From school days, we hear “very easy” and “very difficult” to describe tasks and tests. These patterns feel natural and safe, so they appear automatically in exam halls, interviews, and conversations unless you consciously replace them.
We don’t have alternatives ready to use
Many students recognise words like arduous or grueling, but they don’t come to mind quickly. Without a small active bank of words to replace very difficult, your mind reaches for the familiar phrase instead.
We worry about sounding too dramatic or complicated
Some learners avoid words like formidable or overwhelming because they seem “too strong.” The solution isn’t to avoid them, but to understand their nuance. Once you know when each adjective fits, you can choose one that sounds natural, not exaggerated.
7 Stronger Alternatives to Very Difficult (With Clear Examples)
Here are seven alternatives to very difficult. Notice how each word highlights a different kind of challenge. Use them to make your descriptions sharper and more accurate.
Challenging — difficult in a stimulating or positive way
- Use when something is hard but also interesting or rewarding.
- Great for describing tasks that help you grow or learn.
Example: “The SAT reading section is challenging, but it improves your critical thinking.”
Demanding — requires a lot of effort, time, or energy
- Use for jobs, courses, or schedules that are hard to manage.
- Fits both academic and professional contexts.
Example: “Balancing a full-time job with evening classes is extremely demanding.”
Arduous — very tiring, usually over a long period
- Use for tasks that are physically or mentally exhausting and take a lot of time.
- Common with long journeys, projects, or training.
Example: “Preparing a thesis can be an arduous process of research and revision.”
Grueling — extremely exhausting and tough
- Use when something pushes you to your limits.
- Often describes schedules, workouts, or long exams.
Example: “Medical interns work grueling hours during their first year.”
Formidable — impressively difficult or powerful
- Use when something is so strong or complex that it seems hard to defeat or overcome.
- Good for opponents, tasks, or obstacles that command respect.
Example: “Climate change is a formidable global challenge.”
Complex — difficult because it has many parts
- Use when something is hard to understand, not because it is tiring, but because it has many layers.
- Perfect for systems, theories, and technical problems.
Example: “International trade laws are complex and require careful study.”
Overwhelming — so difficult it feels too much to handle
- Use for emotional or mental pressure that feels excessive.
- Works well for stress, workloads, or sudden responsibilities.
Example: “At first, moving abroad felt overwhelming, but things became easier with time.”
When You Should Avoid Saying “Very Difficult”
In some contexts, “very difficult” usually sounds too broad or informal. In these situations, switch to a more precise alternative to improve English expression:
- academic essays and research papers
- university applications and personal statements
- professional reports and presentations
- SAT, ACT, IELTS, and TOEFL writing tasks
- formal discussions of social, economic, or scientific problems
Choose a word that explains why something is hard: complex for many parts, demanding for effort and time, grueling for extreme exhaustion, or formidable for powerful obstacles.
Quick Comparison Table: Better Ways to Say Very Difficult
Use this table as a mini cheat-sheet when you want fast words to replace very difficult in writing or speech.
| Weak Phrase | Stronger Alternative | Best Used For | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| very difficult | challenging | Tasks that are hard but rewarding or educational. | “The project was challenging, but we learned a lot.” |
| very difficult | demanding | Jobs, courses, or schedules that require high effort and time. | “Her role as team leader is extremely demanding.” |
| very difficult | arduous | Long, tiring tasks or journeys. | “Climbing the mountain was an arduous experience.” |
| very difficult | grueling | Extremely exhausting work or training. | “The athletes completed a grueling six-hour practice.” |
| very difficult | formidable | Powerful problems or opponents that are hard to defeat. | “Poverty remains a formidable global issue.” |
| very difficult | complex | Issues with many parts, steps, or variables. | “Designing fair tax policy is a complex task.” |
| very difficult | overwhelming | Situations that feel emotionally or mentally “too much.” | “The amount of information online can be overwhelming.” |
How to Choose the Right Alternative to Very Difficult
1. Match the type of challenge
Ask yourself: “Is this hard because it is long, complex, exhausting, or emotionally heavy?” Then choose:
- Challenging – hard in a positive, growth-focused way.
- Demanding / Grueling – high effort, energy, or hours.
- Arduous – long and tiring over time.
- Complex – many parts or layers to understand.
- Formidable / Overwhelming – powerful or emotionally heavy obstacles.
2. Consider your audience and tone
In casual conversation, “really hard” may be fine. In essays, reports, and exam writing, stronger words for very difficult—like arduous, complex, or formidable—sound more precise and academic.
3. Support strong adjectives with evidence
Whenever you choose an advanced adjective, show why it fits. Add data, examples, or specific details.
Instead of: “The course was very difficult,” write:
“The course was demanding because it required daily readings, weekly essays,
and three major projects.”
7-Day Plan to Replace “Very Difficult” with Stronger Vocabulary
- Day 1: Highlight every “very difficult” in your recent writing. Just notice where it appears.
- Day 2: Choose three favourites from this list (for example challenging, demanding, complex).
- Day 3: Rewrite five old sentences, replacing “very difficult” with one of your new adjectives.
- Day 4: In your next English message or email, use at least one alternative instead of “very difficult.”
- Day 5: Write a short paragraph (5–6 lines) about a tough experience and use three different alternatives.
- Day 6: Read an article and underline advanced difficulty words you find (formidable, overwhelming, complex, etc.).
- Day 7: Test yourself: without looking, list all seven alternatives to very difficult from memory.
Tip: Save these adjectives in a “difficulty vocabulary bank” in your notebook or notes app so they’re ready during exams.
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Conclusion: Retire “Very Difficult” and Describe Challenges Precisely
“Very difficult” is easy to use, but it rarely shows the full picture. By choosing alternatives to very difficult—like challenging, demanding, arduous, grueling, formidable, complex, or overwhelming—you tell your reader exactly what kind of challenge you mean.
Take one paragraph from your recent writing and replace every “very difficult” with a stronger, context-appropriate alternative. Your vocabulary—and your reader—will notice the difference.