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

But the only certainty in the immediate aftermath was that the suffering of the victims and their families was far from over. ‘Your chances of death are 97%’ Three days after arriving in the ICU at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, Debra Sanders succumbed to her massive injuries. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2025

The photographs taken at a Salvadoran prison by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in front of a display of human suffering suggests a serious flaw in her character. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 27 Apr. 2025

Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings and hopes of this time of globalization. —Abc News, ABC News, 26 Apr. 2025

Yet through those phone calls, the pope came to understand the suffering of Gaza residents, Christians and Muslims alike, said George Anton, head of the Emergency Response Committee for the Catholic Church in Gaza. —Bilal Shbeir, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 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