What Is Another Way to Say “Make Difficult”?

Looking for synonyms for make difficult? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say make difficult.

  • Complicate
  • Hinder
  • Obstruct
  • Impede
  • Hamper
  • Inhibit
  • Thwart
  • Encumber
  • Constrain
  • Frustrate
  • Interfere
  • Stymie
  • Handicap
  • Burden
  • Disrupt
  • Aggravate
  • Exacerbate
  • Deter
  • Curtail
  • Intensify

Want to learn how to say make difficult professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Complicate

Appropriate Usage: Used when something is made more difficult or complex.
Example: The unexpected software bug will complicate our project timeline.

2. Hinder

Appropriate Usage: Refers to creating difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delayed or obstructed progress.
Example: Inadequate funding could hinder the research team’s progress.

3. Obstruct

Appropriate Usage: Suitable for describing something that blocks or gets in the way of progress.
Example: Legal complications have obstructed the new product’s launch.

4. Impede

Appropriate Usage: Used when progress is slowed or blocked by something.
Example: A lack of clear communication can impede workflow efficiency.

5. Hamper

Appropriate Usage: Describes the act of hindering or impeding someone’s movements or progress.
Example: The lack of modern technology is hampering our ability to compete in the market.

6. Inhibit

Appropriate Usage: Refers to hindering, restraining, or preventing an action or process.
Example: The strict regulations could inhibit innovation in the industry.

7. Thwart

Appropriate Usage: Suitable for describing the act of preventing someone from accomplishing something.
Example: The competitor’s aggressive marketing strategy thwarted our efforts to gain market share.

8. Encumber

Appropriate Usage: Used when someone or something is burdened with difficulties or obstacles.
Example: The project was encumbered by unrealistic deadlines.

9. Constrain

Appropriate Usage: Refers to severely restricting the scope, extent, or activity of something.
Example: Budget constraints are making it difficult to hire additional staff.

10. Frustrate

Appropriate Usage: Suitable for expressing the prevention of progress, success, or fulfillment of something.
Example: Constant changes in project requirements frustrated the development team.

11. Interfere

Appropriate Usage: Used when something intervenes in a situation in a way that hinders or complicates.
Example: Micromanagement can interfere with employee productivity and morale.

12. Stymie

Appropriate Usage: Describes an action that prevents something from happening or progressing.
Example: The new regulations could stymie the growth of small businesses.

13. Handicap

Appropriate Usage: Refers to putting at a disadvantage in a particular situation.
Example: The outdated equipment is handicapping the team’s performance.

14. Burden

Appropriate Usage: Used for something that causes difficulty or stress.
Example: The additional workload has become a significant burden for the team.

15. Disrupt

Appropriate Usage: Suitable for causing disturbance or problems, which interrupt an event, activity, or process.
Example: The sudden market shift has disrupted our strategic planning.

16. Aggravate

Appropriate Usage: Refers to making a problem or situation worse or more serious.
Example: The new policy changes could aggravate existing client concerns.

17. Exacerbate

Appropriate Usage: Used for making a bad situation or problem worse.
Example: Poor communication exacerbated the misunderstanding between departments.

18. Deter

Appropriate Usage: Suitable for discouraging someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
Example: High risk factors may deter investors from funding the project.

19. Curtail

Appropriate Usage: Refers to reducing in extent or quantity; imposing a restriction on an activity.
Example: The budget cuts will curtail the research department’s capabilities.

20. Intensify

Appropriate Usage: Used for making something more intense, serious, or severe.
Example: The rising competition in the market has intensified the need for innovation.

Linda Brown