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

Nevertheless, our survey results suggest that increasing wartime hardship against Ukrainians will not coerce them into accepting territorial concessions. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026

Bulgarians voted against a backdrop of growing economic hardship and drone attacks on Black Sea shipping. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

This is Bates’ front-row seat to Maine’s unique economic hardship. — Rachel Siegel, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

As a result of the healthcare and business hardships, Cowdery isn't keen on voting Republican this year. — Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026