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

During the trial, Fariñas’ mother Luisa Moya, father Rene Fariñas, sister Lisbet and her long-time boyfriend Alberto Ruiz detailed their suffering throughout the two decades since Fariñas was killed. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 Nov. 2025

Inside the car, officers found a woman unresponsive suffering from gunshot wounds, Becchina said. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Nov. 2025

For a relatively young country, America has inflicted an enormous amount of suffering on human beings. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 21 Nov. 2025

An intact forest could have spared hundreds or even thousands from needless suffering. —JSTOR Daily, 19 Nov. 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