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

Franklin Graham said that kind of investment was necessary given the scope of human suffering seen in Gaza and Israel. —Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025

Her pale face with its vague smile expressed neither suffering nor struggle. —Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025

Our pain and suffering won’t end with today’s sentencing. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025

There are signs that the Russian military is repeatedly hitting the same areas to aggravate the population’s suffering. —Tim Lister, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 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