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

The dead hostage’s father, Michel Iluz, said Regev’s presence had been a gift, a brief moment of respite during his suffering. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025

Other kinds of suffering increase, too. —Seda Saluk, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2025

Poetry does not alleviate or erase our suffering or pain. —K.j.s. “sunny” Anand, Time, 15 Oct. 2025

Both series do attempt to consider October 7 outside of the Jewish Israeli experience with a storyline about the suffering and grief Arabic families also experienced during the attack. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 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