hardship
noun
hard·ship
ˈhärd-ˌship 
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
What keeps us going through insurmountable hardship, trauma and loss?
—
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2023
This version, from producer Winfrey, stars Fantasia Barrino as Celie, a Black woman in early 20th century Georgia who finds hope despite unspeakable hardship.
—Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
Yet these are precisely the filthy and demeaning hardships that build resilience and fortitude!
—Heather Havrilesky, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023
Major wildfires engulfed regions across North America as well as Hawaii, resulting in loss of life and economic hardship for millions of people.
—Martine Ferland, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2023
Many viewers turn to reality television — and specifically Bravo — for escapism; a break from the hardships and difficulties of their daily lives.
—Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2023
Following the rerouting of the railroad in the 1920s — and the ensuing hardships created by a lack of tourism — the town switched gears.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2023
The indictment says that Mosby did not experience any such financial hardships and in fact, Mosby received her full gross salary of $247,955.58 from January 1, 2020, through December 29, 2020, in bi-weekly gross pay direct deposits of $9,183.54.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2023
But most federal health care, education, science, research and labor programs would sputter or cease, unleashing real hardship on American families — and the broader economy — that intensifies with each passing day.
—Tony Romm, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
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Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Nov. 2023
This version, from producer Winfrey, stars Fantasia Barrino as Celie, a Black woman in early 20th century Georgia who finds hope despite unspeakable hardship.
—Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 19 Nov. 2023
Yet these are precisely the filthy and demeaning hardships that build resilience and fortitude!
—Heather Havrilesky, New York Times, 18 Nov. 2023
Major wildfires engulfed regions across North America as well as Hawaii, resulting in loss of life and economic hardship for millions of people.
—Martine Ferland, Fortune, 15 Nov. 2023
Many viewers turn to reality television — and specifically Bravo — for escapism; a break from the hardships and difficulties of their daily lives.
—Krystie Lee Yandoli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2023
Following the rerouting of the railroad in the 1920s — and the ensuing hardships created by a lack of tourism — the town switched gears.
—Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2023
The indictment says that Mosby did not experience any such financial hardships and in fact, Mosby received her full gross salary of $247,955.58 from January 1, 2020, through December 29, 2020, in bi-weekly gross pay direct deposits of $9,183.54.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 10 Nov. 2023
But most federal health care, education, science, research and labor programs would sputter or cease, unleashing real hardship on American families — and the broader economy — that intensifies with each passing day.
—Tony Romm, Washington Post, 9 Nov. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hardship.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time Traveler
The first known use of hardship was
in the 13th century
Dictionary Entries Near hardship
Cite this Entry
“Hardship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardship. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
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Kids Definition
hardship
noun
hard·ship
ˈhärd-ˌship
2
: something that causes pain or loss
More from Merriam-Webster on hardship
Nglish: Translation of hardship for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of hardship for Arabic Speakers
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