noun
confrontation; facing something directly
Abstract noun use for the act or experience of facing something serious or unavoidable. It is somewhat formal as a standalone noun; 直面する is more common in ordinary sentences.
この小説は、死との直面を静かに描いている。
This novel quietly depicts a confrontation with death.
noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
Used as 〜に直面する, most often with problems, crises, realities, difficulties, or facts that one has to deal with directly. It does not usually mean simply meeting a person face-to-face.
その会社は深刻な人手不足に直面している。
The company is facing a serious labor shortage.
私たちは厳しい現実に直面した。
We were confronted with a harsh reality.