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

Meanwhile, the county faces its own financial hardships. —Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 21 Feb. 2026

The two discussed Dane's acting career, living with and advocating for ALS, but mostly, Dane's resilience through hardships and love for his family. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 20 Feb. 2026

Board member Steve Balich, a Homer Glen Republican, opposed the project, saying the traffic and shape of the road already creates a hardship for the area. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

According to a survey in the UWF report, over 40 percent of respondents experienced financial hardship from their pet purchase, whether due to the financial agreement or vet costs. —Ana Goñi-Lessan, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 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