suffering

1 of 2

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: pain

suffering

2 of 2

present participle of suffer

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

Noun

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

Noun

Cut off from its Venezuelan lifeline and without electricity for all but a few hours a day, the economic hardships and human suffering in Cuba have dramatically worsened in recent months. — Daniel W. Drezner, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2026

But wildfire survivors were angered when details emerged that Newsom’s proposal would limit payments to victims for pain and suffering and cap attorney fees. — Melody Petersen, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

Within that rigidity lay a fear of becoming overwhelmed by patients’ suffering and then unsettled just before operating. — Robert M. Kinast, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

In turn, her parents may need help with deciding which treatments will be most helpful or may cause more suffering than benefit. — Emilee Flynn, The Conversation, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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