suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: pain

Choose the Right Synonym for suffering

distress, suffering, misery, agony mean the state of being in great trouble.

distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

some people live in misery every day

agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

Examples of suffering in a Sentence

ways to alleviate human suffering

They hope these new drugs will help to bring an end to the suffering of arthritis patients.

His lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering.

the sufferings of the dying

Recent Examples on the Web

This continuous decline has slashed savings, destroyed the Iranian middle class, and inflicted real suffering on the working classes. —Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 1 Jan. 2026

The story leads the audience to hope that these characters come to acceptance and peace after all these years of suffering. —Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

Citing her own experience, Tarpinian-Jachym said blanket homicide statistics don't take into account the suffering of family members like her left to grieve. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 31 Dec. 2025

In any case, the suffering and hardship in the Friend’s midst would seem to overshadow any claim of the society’s being a lost utopia. —Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suffering

• long-suffering

Rhymes for suffering

• buffering

Kids Definition

suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: a pain or injury endured