suffering

1 of 2

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ 

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: pain

suffering

2 of 2

present participle of suffer

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

Noun

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

Noun

Ruffalo has long been a critic of Israel’s military conduct in Gaza, frequently using his social media platforms and public appearances to draw attention to civilian suffering there. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 23 Aug. 2026

Upon arrival, law enforcement found an adult male suffering from multiple stab wounds. — Cbs News Miami Digital Team, CBS News, 23 Aug. 2026

Officers found the 17-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Officers found the 17-year-old suffering from gunshot wounds inside the stadium, south of the football field. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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