make more difficult

[/meɪk mɔːr ˈdɪfɪkəlt/]
verb phrase
dificultar; tornar mais difícil; complicar
1. to cause something to become harder to do, understand, or achieve; to increase the level of difficulty or complexity
The bad weather will make the journey more difficult.
O mau tempo vai dificultar a jornada.
2. to create obstacles or obstacles that hinder progress or success
His refusal to cooperate made the project more difficult.
A recusa dele em cooperar dificultou o projeto.
3. to complicate a situation or problem
Adding more requirements will make the task more difficult.
Adicionar mais requisitos vai tornar a tarefa mais complicada.
This phrase is commonly used in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese business, academic, and everyday contexts. In Brazil, 'dificultar' is the most direct and frequently used equivalent, while 'complicar' carries a slightly more informal tone. Both cultures use similar expressions to describe obstacles and complications in projects, relationships, and life situations.
NYC Slang
make it harder; throw a wrench in (the works)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
complicateobstructhinderimpedemake harderhamperencumber
Antonyms / Antônimos
make easiersimplifyfacilitateeasehelpassist

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
dificultar; tornar mais difícil
Most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
complicar; dificultar
Both forms widely used
São Paulo
dificultar; complicar
Formal and informal contexts
Portugal
dificultar; tornar mais difícil; complicar
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Words

difficultyobstaclechallengecomplexitycomplicationhindrance

Related Idioms & Phrases

throw a wrench in the works
put a spanner in the works
rock the boat
muddy the waters
raise the bar
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