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
Cubans have endured a slew of hardships in recent years, including frequent and long-lasting power outages that have turned into blackouts multiple times.
—
Kate Perez, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Among community theaters forced to close due to financial hardships was the nearby Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
Some successes, and many hardships.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
The late-night host reflected on the hardships that Jimmy Kimmel Live has faced in recent months — including its six-day suspension last September — after winning the award for Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Jan. 2026
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich shared Turner's view that William and Kate's bond has been strengthened after overcoming hardships together.
—Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
And headlines abound about Americans’ financial hardships.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2025
The men, between the ages 18-24, spoke candidly about the hardships of growing up without a family.
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
As one of six siblings raised by a single mother, Blatt has dealt with her share of hardships.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025
Kate Perez, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Among community theaters forced to close due to financial hardships was the nearby Artisan Center Theater in Hurst.
—Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Jan. 2026
Some successes, and many hardships.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
The late-night host reflected on the hardships that Jimmy Kimmel Live has faced in recent months — including its six-day suspension last September — after winning the award for Best Talk Show at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Jan. 2026
Royal expert Hilary Fordwich shared Turner's view that William and Kate's bond has been strengthened after overcoming hardships together.
—Ashley Hume , Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 3 Jan. 2026
And headlines abound about Americans’ financial hardships.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 27 Dec. 2025
The men, between the ages 18-24, spoke candidly about the hardships of growing up without a family.
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, jsonline.com, 26 Dec. 2025
As one of six siblings raised by a single mother, Blatt has dealt with her share of hardships.
—Haadiza Ogwude, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardships
difficulties
Noun
-
The shelter also had problems serving the existing community, taking in fewer animals due to difficulties moving them through adoption or rescue, and placing greater emphasis on caring for sick or injured animals.—
Devan Patel,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
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The popular Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama, won’t be back this year because of organizational difficulties, the Music Row website reported.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardships.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardships. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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