as in difficulties
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
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Recent Examples of hardships
In the basement of the headquarters, amid columns wrapped with green vines and yellow flowers, center director Martha Arevalo spoke about the hardships her organization has faced.
—
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
In normal times, leaders might hesitate to impose that kind of moral weight on employees already living through the hardships of a global crisis.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
But the ERRs report being overburdened, not least by the hardships in communicating with funders.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Black History Month is a good time to remember the unfair hardships placed on Black people throughout history, but also a time to celebrate their triumphs in spite of it.
—Terri Huggins Hart, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026
Local residents are facing hardships as weather conditions keep them from getting to work.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
However, as with many hardships in life, fashion is one way to cope.
—Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
Despite the hardships, the loving childhood environment propels young Melvin Kaminsky to break out into show business, change his name, and seek global adoration.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Have documentation supporting your current financial hardships Have a debt load north of $7,500?
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2026
In normal times, leaders might hesitate to impose that kind of moral weight on employees already living through the hardships of a global crisis.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 30 Jan. 2026
But the ERRs report being overburdened, not least by the hardships in communicating with funders.
—Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Black History Month is a good time to remember the unfair hardships placed on Black people throughout history, but also a time to celebrate their triumphs in spite of it.
—Terri Huggins Hart, Parents, 28 Jan. 2026
Local residents are facing hardships as weather conditions keep them from getting to work.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026
However, as with many hardships in life, fashion is one way to cope.
—Frances Solá-Santiago, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
Despite the hardships, the loving childhood environment propels young Melvin Kaminsky to break out into show business, change his name, and seek global adoration.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 Jan. 2026
Have documentation supporting your current financial hardships Have a debt load north of $7,500?
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardships
difficulties
Noun
-
But Peter is refreshingly candid about the difficulties.—
Sarwant Singh,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
Powerscourt, a small Irish distillery, was in receivership after reporting major financial difficulties.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardships.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardships. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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