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

Over the course of her career, Yusim traveled, lived, and worked in more than 70 countries, studying how different cultures understand suffering, healing, and meaning. —Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

After arriving, officers found a man inside the home suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, as family members rendered aid. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 27 Feb. 2026

Attorneys for Meta and YouTube owner Google have sought to portray Kaley’s suffering as the natural outcome of a troubled childhood. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and an unspecified sum of money for damages, including pain, suffering and emotional distress. —Katie Langford, Denver Post, 26 Feb. 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