hardship

noun

hard·​ship ˈhärd-ˌship How to pronounce hardship (audio)
1
2
: something that causes or entails suffering or privation

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 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.

Kids Definition

hardship

noun
hard·​ship ˈhärd-ˌship How to pronounce hardship (audio)
1
2
: something that causes pain or loss

More from Merriam-Webster on hardship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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