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

Trapping individuals in endless cycles of exclusion and financial hardship squanders potential, reduces tax revenue and widens disparities. —Brian Fabes, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

The specific rhythm of nature for harvesting and hardship that goes with working on a farm? —Annika Pham, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026

Through candid moments of vulnerability and emotional truths, the film offers a heartfelt exploration of love and artistry that resonates deeply, delivering an uplifting portrayal of resilience in the face of hardship. —Patrick Hipes, Deadline, 23 Apr. 2026

But some parishioners remain optimistic that this period of intense hardship finally augurs the end of the regime. —Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 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