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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hardships
That maximum was put in place to help borrowers avoid extreme financial hardships caused by the wage garnishment process.
—
CBS News, 13 May 2026
Lower-income families and communities of color are disproportionately facing hardships and more likely to be facing imminent financial insecurity, including falling behind on bills or cutting back on food.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Tameika McLaurin, director of housing for Transition Resource Action Center, says workers take into account the physical and mental health effects of trauma to build relationships and trust with young adults, since many have faced hardships.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
The elder Turner, struggling with financial hardships and mental health issues, died by suicide in 1963; his son took over the advertising company, taking on the roles of president and CEO.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 6 May 2026
The closure comes after years of financial hardships, compounded by a recent spike in fuel prices.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Economic hardships are seen across the city, and these devices remove an option for many to make a living.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Shipwrecks are frequent along these routes, particularly in the western Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, where thousands of migrants risk their lives each year fleeing conflict, poverty and climate-related hardships.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
South Korean officials confirmed details of Kim’s defection, and his descriptions of hardships faced by North Koreans mirror numerous accounts defectors shared with CNN.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
CBS News, 13 May 2026
Lower-income families and communities of color are disproportionately facing hardships and more likely to be facing imminent financial insecurity, including falling behind on bills or cutting back on food.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Tameika McLaurin, director of housing for Transition Resource Action Center, says workers take into account the physical and mental health effects of trauma to build relationships and trust with young adults, since many have faced hardships.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2026
The elder Turner, struggling with financial hardships and mental health issues, died by suicide in 1963; his son took over the advertising company, taking on the roles of president and CEO.
—Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 6 May 2026
The closure comes after years of financial hardships, compounded by a recent spike in fuel prices.
—Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 May 2026
Economic hardships are seen across the city, and these devices remove an option for many to make a living.
—Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
Shipwrecks are frequent along these routes, particularly in the western Mediterranean and Atlantic corridors, where thousands of migrants risk their lives each year fleeing conflict, poverty and climate-related hardships.
—ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026
South Korean officials confirmed details of Kim’s defection, and his descriptions of hardships faced by North Koreans mirror numerous accounts defectors shared with CNN.
—Mike Valerio, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardships
difficulties
Noun
-
In Scotland, Labor's difficulties were laid bare as John Swinney secured a decisive victory, dealing a further blow to Starmer’s authority.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
-
Since they were rescued, the children — who had motor difficulties and health issues; were sleeping in cribs and wearing diapers — have been in the care of child protective services and are receiving treatment from psychologists, El País reported.—
Adam England,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardships.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardships. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
