hardship

noun

hard·​ship ˈhärd-ˌship 

1

: privation, suffering

recovering from financial hardship

2

: something that causes or entails suffering or privation

the hardships of life on the frontier

Synonyms of hardship

• difficulty

Examples of hardship in a Sentence

He had suffered through considerable hardship.

The city has been experiencing a period of financial hardship.

They had to endure the hardships of life on the frontier.

Recent Examples on the Web

Many financial institutions offer hardship or loss-mitigation programs, which could help make your situation more manageable. — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 24 July 2026

The story also reflects the economic hardships afflicting parts of Italian society, the director adds. — Ed Meza, Variety, 23 July 2026

Just as life in industrial urban centers in the nineteenth century caused hardship in rural villages, the profligate lifestyles enjoyed by those of us in the Global North are underwritten by the immiseration of those in the Global South. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Over the next few years, Belfort experienced hardships in his career and finances, before pursuing a new venture. — Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

hardship

noun

hard·​ship ˈhärd-ˌship 

1

: pain entry 1 sense 2a, privation

2

: something that causes pain or loss