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

The photographs contained in the Farm Security Administration collection, held at the Library of Congress, depict scarcity, despair, desolation, and suffering but also hope, resilience, and, later, progress in response to government intervention. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 Aug. 2026

That portrait of the suffering Christ is believed to date to around 1460, and was purchased at Sotheby's. — Willem Marx, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Additionally, Newsom’s office said survivors can still seek non-economic damages, with no ceiling, for their pain and suffering in cases of injury, death or in instances where someone witnessed a family member’s injury. — Linh Tat, Daily News, 14 Aug. 2026

Once again, international organizations removed Hamas and their share of the blame for Gaza’s suffering from the conversation, stoking the anti-Israel narrative. — Beth Bailey, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026

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