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.

the homeless live with 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

Yet these quiet scenes are punctuated with tactile depictions of dirt, not to mention the visceral suffering of a man held in the pillory where maggots feed on his open leg wound. —Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 3 Sep. 2024

While reaffirming her basic commitment to Israel’s security, Vice President Kamala Harris, now the Democratic presidential candidate, has signaled greater empathy for Palestinian suffering and sharper rhetoric toward and treatment of Netanyahu in recent months. —Daniel Silverman, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2024

Harris has tried to show more empathy than Biden toward the suffering of Palestinian civilians. —David Lauter, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2024

The soaring figures give a window into the daily suffering, malnutrition and volatility in Gaza after 10 months of conflict. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 15 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suffering

• long-suffering

Kids Definition

suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: a pain or injury endured