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

This concentration of wealth protects the regime from economic crises, while ordinary Iranians endure severe hardship. — Natasha Lindstaedt, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

On gas prices, 74% of Americans say the rising cost has caused them at least some hardship, compared to 63% in March. — Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Yet as years pass and the world closes in, and time, hardship, and desire reshape them. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 28 July 2026

Chattel slavery, in all its brutality, Sojourner laments, could not just be forgotten; African Americans needed to be compensated for centuries of hardship. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026