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
This documentary follows the recording during a six-day period in 2025 and, augmented by Bareilles’ trademark openness, expounds on the personal hardships and grief the songstress/actress endured the past several years.
—
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2026
This symbolized people of color in the LGBTQ+ community, and it was meant to draw attention to their unique hardships.
—Nicole Harris, Parents, 2 June 2026
My parents escaped the pogroms of eastern Europe, came here and faced hardships.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026
Even so, these investigations and prosecutions impose real costs and hardships on those who are targeted, Lucas says.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 May 2026
Much like the Jets have had the past 15 years, the Knicks had their share of hardships and struggles before the arrival of Brunson and Knicks president Leon Rose in 2020.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Millions of people without proper documentation came in, imposing severe hardships on border communities, straining city budgets, and overwhelming public services.
—Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The Fed said the results are concerning, as the percentages of economic hardships increased across the board, compared to when the Fed conducted the Survey of Consumer Expectations early in the pandemic.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 28 May 2026
The statement opened by warning that worsening hardships on the island are affecting Caribbean nationals studying and living there, and are being exacerbated by the United States’ decades-long embargo.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 3 June 2026
This symbolized people of color in the LGBTQ+ community, and it was meant to draw attention to their unique hardships.
—Nicole Harris, Parents, 2 June 2026
My parents escaped the pogroms of eastern Europe, came here and faced hardships.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 29 May 2026
Even so, these investigations and prosecutions impose real costs and hardships on those who are targeted, Lucas says.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 May 2026
Much like the Jets have had the past 15 years, the Knicks had their share of hardships and struggles before the arrival of Brunson and Knicks president Leon Rose in 2020.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 29 May 2026
Millions of people without proper documentation came in, imposing severe hardships on border communities, straining city budgets, and overwhelming public services.
—Andrew Tisch, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The Fed said the results are concerning, as the percentages of economic hardships increased across the board, compared to when the Fed conducted the Survey of Consumer Expectations early in the pandemic.
—Jacqueline Munis, Fortune, 28 May 2026
The statement opened by warning that worsening hardships on the island are affecting Caribbean nationals studying and living there, and are being exacerbated by the United States’ decades-long embargo.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardships
difficulties
Noun
-
Sánchez’s left-wing government is facing difficulties, including corruption scandals, while more conservative voices, such as the nationalist-populist right-wing party Vox, are rising in popularity.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
8 June 2026
-
These mound hurlers had six-weeks of spring training to work out their issues and pitching difficulties.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardships.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardships. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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