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.

some people live in 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

Football is not the only sport where suffering has become a rite of passage for success. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026

The failure of the pharmaceutical industry, the failure of the insurance industry, and ultimately, the failure of the system leads to suffering of citizens who follow all the rules, pay taxes and trust their government to protect them. — Eric Khant, Sun Sentinel, 19 July 2026

If a Wall Street private-equity firm, backed in part with money from public pension funds in California, Maryland and elsewhere, thinks Chicago’s meter contract is such a great investment, why shouldn’t Chicago’s own suffering pension funds benefit? — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

But suffering – and the resilience that comes from working through it – are part of Argentine culture. — Caitlin Stephen Hu, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suffering

• long-suffering

Rhymes for suffering

• buffering

Kids Definition

suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: a pain or injury endured