suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce suffering (audio)
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 film’s gaze is arguably as mocking as it is dazzled — with the macho posturing and hero-worship of Roca Rey a tacit source of comedy — while Serra, living up to his reputation for challenging arthouse fare, doesn’t flinch in his presentation of animal abuse and suffering. Guy Lodge, Variety, 28 Sep. 2024 The civil case, which is seeking medical costs and damages for pain and suffering, has a hearing set for Oct. 18. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2024 Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms, bring the hostages home, secure security for Israel, and Gaza free of Hamas’ grip, ease the suffering in Gaza, and end this war. Abc News, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2024 The arts are sometimes an excellent way to portray the agonies and ecstasies of disease and suffering. Steve Brozak, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for suffering 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suffering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suffering was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near suffering

Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffering. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

suffering

noun
suf·​fer·​ing
1
: the state or experience of one that suffers
2
: a pain or injury endured
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!