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

For households with fewer resources and fewer alternatives, each additional day without power compounds the hardship. — Lori Latham, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026

Compare available hardship forbearance, deferment and other payment-relief options. — Amy Deyoung, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Experts have cautioned that Iran’s repressive regime is unlikely to be swayed by the suffering of ordinary citizens and is prepared to wait out economic hardship longer than Americans can endure high gas prices. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026

Their simmering chemistry carries the narrative through war, hardship, romance and tragedy, set to the now-beloved score by Maurice Jarre. — David Faris, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026