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 scams brought about severe financial hardship for 21% of respondents and moderate financial hardship for 46%, according to the survey. — Samantha Elkins, NBC news, 30 June 2026

Resurgent inflation, which in May hit its highest level in more than three years, is pressuring people's budgets, with Gallup finding in a recent poll that high gasoline prices have caused financial hardship for two-thirds of households. — Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 30 June 2026

So as opposed to, say, inspiring American leaders of all kinds, like a real explanation of the character of Harriet Tubman or of Chief Joseph or Americans struggled against real hardships. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026

More than one in three Mecklenburg County households are facing financial hardship and struggling to meet basic needs, according to a new report from research group United for ALICE. — Nick Sullivan july 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026