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

Feelings of revenge soon morphed into a deep sadness for my friends’ pain and suffering. —Roberto Loiederman, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025

Richard Sutherland Lakeland America has become a dystopia A dystopia is a community where the order of the day is to bring servitude, misery, poverty, inequality, injustice and suffering. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 July 2025

In due course, the winners can be demonized, while the losers exercise political pressure to prevent change and redress their own suffering. —Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025

At last, after decades of suffering, Williams felt relief—within just three months of meeting Dr. Shirazian. —Kayla Greaves, SELF, 3 July 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