HARDSHIP Synonyms: 47 Similar and Opposite Words

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of hardship Magyar can scarcely afford, in this time of economic hardship, to forgo Russian energy. —

Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026 But landlord advocates, including Apartment Owners Association of California President Jeffrey Faller, say the bill could face legal challenges for denying landlords due process, as was the case for self-certifying COVID-19 hardship during the pandemic-era eviction moratorium. —

Amancai Biraben, Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026 In court filings, his attorney described a life story wrought with hardship. —

Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2026 The new regulations create expensive, ongoing hardships for hemp businesses, the plaintiffs argue. —

Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardship

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardship

difficulty

Noun

After mixed results from these initial high-profile tastings, many startup companies retreated behind closed doors amid funding difficulties and political pushback from states.

— Jaia Clingham-David, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2026
On top of physical and mental challenges, Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) can cause behavioral issues like compulsive behaviors and difficulty controlling emotions.

— Sarah Bradley, Health, 14 Apr. 2026