The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STUBBORN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
U
B
B
O
R
N
More clues leading to the result STUBBORN
- Refusing to give in the end natural
- Cussed, given life after objections rejected
- Objections raised, presumably not made difficult
- Determined to be delivered end first
- Awkward b. completely overturned objections at first
- Difficult objections raised and delivered
- Obstinate remnant brought to light
- Rigid objections overturned, then almost carried
- Sticky end delivered
- Persistent objections raised then supported, reportedly
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Difficult" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case difficult = stubborn.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STUBBORN mean?
STUBBORN noun- Stubbornness.
- A disease of citrus trees characterized by stunted growth and misshapen fruit, caused by Spiroplasma citri.
- Refusing to move or to change one's opinion; obstinate; firmly resisting; persistent in doing something.
- Of materials: physically stiff and inflexible; not easily melted or worked.