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

Sometimes the seeds of success are planted by watching someone else overcome adversity with determination, grit, and a refusal to allow hardship to take your dreams away. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025

Timing, hardship, creditor flexibility and your ability to make a lump-sum payment all play major roles in shaping the outcome. —Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

The intent behind PLESAs is to give workers a financial cushion for unexpected expenses—like medical bills or car repairs—without forcing them to raid retirement accounts or take hardship loans. —Associate News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

Program directors cited barriers including child care instability, prerequisite demands, financial hardship and a shortage of clinical training placements. —Cathie Anderson updated December 4, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025

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