Hardship

/ˈhɑːrdʃɪp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A condition that is difficult to endure; suffering; deprivation.

The community faced great hardship after the natural disaster destroyed their homes.

Severe suffering or privation.

She experienced financial hardship after losing her job.

Challenges or difficulties that make life harder.

He overcame many hardships to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.

An event or condition that is difficult or unpleasant.

The soldiers endured the hardships of war with great courage.

Middle English: from hard + -ship, denoting condition.

hard times

A period when someone is experiencing difficulties financially or emotionally.

tough it out

To endure a difficult situation without giving up.

face hardship

To confront difficult circumstances.

suffering

The experience of physical or emotional pain.

difficulty

The state or condition of being hard to do or deal with.

adversity

A difficult or unpleasant situation.

Down on your luck

He's really down on his luck after losing his job.

In a bind

I'm really in a bind with this unexpected expense.