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

Saving the lives of animals while juggling love and hardship, Kate must learn to heal herself along the way. — Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026

Its people are paying a hefty economic price thanks to damage caused by the war and Washington’s cutoffs, but much of the population has rallied around the flag and seems to accept that hardship is necessary if Iran is to defend itself. — Narges Bajoghli, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2026

Sports authorities acknowledged that, due to the country’s economic hardships, the current season of the 16-team series will be split into two zones, East and West, to reduce travel and fuel use amid the energy crisis. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026

And if minimum payments themselves have become difficult to manage, other options — including creditor hardship programs, debt consolidation or, in more serious situations, debt relief — may be worth exploring. — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 7 Oct. 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