Synonyms of hardship

hardship

noun

ˈhärd-ˌship 

as in difficulty

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal

working two jobs was a hardship he was willing to endure to get out of debt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficulty
• obstacle
• adversity
• hurdle
• hardness
• trial
• rigor
• inconvenience
• discomfort
• asperity
• misfortune
• nuisance
• tribulation
• tragedy
• embarrassment
• interference
• hindrance
• obstruction
• impediment
• affliction
• mishap
• let
• handicap
• deterrent
• encumbrance
• inhibition
• rub
• hitch
• snag
• stop
• knock
• chain
• shackle
• catch
• crimp
• hump
• clog
• pons asinorum
• trammel
• block
• bar
• check
• manacle
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hardship

Deferment and forbearance options are available for eligible borrowers experiencing financial hardship. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026

As the lead actor in a YA drama, the 22-year-old felt the responsibility to try and accurately depict teenage hardships and resilience. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

Padilla of Public Works acknowledged the hardship, but said the benefits would outweigh the short-term pain. — Barbara Kingsley-Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

Many are shouldering economic hardship, exposure to adversity and discrimination, family responsibilities, uncertainty about the future and social pressures. — Crystal Cederna, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026