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 most senior travelers have a higher risk of swelling and suffering from deep vein thrombosis while flying. —Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026

The Creature thinks his suffering can only cease if it is replicated in another, and expresses this desire through possessive, dehumanizing language. —Rory Doherty, Time, 7 Mar. 2026

Benjamin Reinhard, 14, won by correctly spelling the word kenosis, which refers to the act of a Christian person voluntarily giving up their personal rights and ambitions and accepting suffering, according to the spelling bee’s definition. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2026

Many believed the cumulative impact of seeing that suffering night after night turned Americans from supporters to skeptics. —David Bauder, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 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