Synonyms of hardship

hardship

noun

ˈhärd-ˌship 

as in difficulty

something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal

working two jobs was a hardship he was willing to endure to get out of debt

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficulty
• obstacle
• adversity
• hurdle
• hardness
• trial
• rigor
• inconvenience
• discomfort
• asperity
• misfortune
• nuisance
• tribulation
• tragedy
• embarrassment
• interference
• hindrance
• obstruction
• impediment
• affliction
• mishap
• let
• handicap
• deterrent
• encumbrance
• inhibition
• rub
• hitch
• snag
• stop
• knock
• chain
• shackle
• catch
• crimp
• hump
• clog
• pons asinorum
• trammel
• block
• bar
• check
• manacle
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hardship

In July, the department accused UC San Diego’s medical school of using hardship questions as a substitute for directly considering race. — Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Amid soaring casualties on the front lines, mounting economic hardship and rising public anxiety, the reality of what Russia calls its Special Military Operation in Ukraine is increasingly being felt. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026

Diverse characters made infrequent appearances, their storylines often tied to hardship rather than joy. — Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Founded in 2015 by chef Chris Shepherd and Lindsey Brown, Southern Smoke Foundation provides emergency relief and no-cost mental health services to food and beverage workers dealing with unexpected hardship. — Gabi De La Rosa, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026