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

The belief is that forcing the long-term occupant to leave could result in undue hardship or injustice. —Marley Malenfant, Austin American Statesman, 6 Jan. 2026

Ilam province is mainly home to the country’s Kurdish and Lur ethnic groups and faces severe economic hardship. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Some successes, and many hardships. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

Fame does not protect against hardship, and talent does not guarantee stability. —Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026