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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Recent Examples of hardship
Sheelagh once noted that while Americans like me found these homes quaint and charming, the Irish merely viewed them as symbols of hardship.
—
Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Recently, Vanguard reported that while 401(k) balances were higher last year, 6% of workers in its plans took a hardship withdrawal, which is a new high.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Healthcare systems in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria were already under pressure before the war in Iran broke out due to years of economic hardship, political instability, and previous conflicts.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 15 Mar. 2026
For a fire district that already struggles with staffing, having to divide minimal resources is a hardship the chief is pushing to change with Proposition 218.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardship
Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 16 Mar. 2026
Recently, Vanguard reported that while 401(k) balances were higher last year, 6% of workers in its plans took a hardship withdrawal, which is a new high.
—Jill Schlesinger, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026
Healthcare systems in Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria were already under pressure before the war in Iran broke out due to years of economic hardship, political instability, and previous conflicts.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 15 Mar. 2026
For a fire district that already struggles with staffing, having to divide minimal resources is a hardship the chief is pushing to change with Proposition 218.
—Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardship
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardship
difficulty
Noun
-
In Washington, the House and Senate postponed votes because of difficulty traveling during inclement weather, and federal agencies told workers to go home early.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Mar. 2026
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Castro said the difficulty of adjusting could become clearer with time.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardship. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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