suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: pain

Choose the Right Synonym for suffering

distress, suffering, misery, agony mean the state of being in great trouble.

distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

the homeless live with misery every day

agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

Examples of suffering in a Sentence

ways to alleviate human suffering

They hope these new drugs will help to bring an end to the suffering of arthritis patients.

His lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering.

the sufferings of the dying

Recent Examples on the Web

If a postal employee suffers an injury, the dog’s owner could be responsible for medical bills, lost wages, uniform replacement costs, and pain and suffering for the employee. —Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2024

Workers can also ask for more money for their pain and suffering. —Maryam Jameel, ProPublica, 3 June 2024

Told that Christ was Jewish, Edgardo imagines himself an effigy of suffering. —Armond White, National Review, 31 May 2024

Mays is seeking an unspecified amount in medical, funeral and out-of-pocket expenses, as well as noneconomic damages for mental anguish, emotional distress, past and future pain and suffering and other items. —Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 30 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suffering

• long-suffering

Kids Definition

suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: a pain or injury endured