Ordeal

/ɔːrˈdiːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a painful or horrific experience, especially a protracted one.

The survivors described their ordeal during the natural disaster.

an experience that tests one's endurance or character.

Her long recovery from the surgery was an ordeal that tested her willpower.

a difficult or unpleasant situation.

Preparing for the final exams was an ordeal for all the students.

Middle English, from Old English 'ordæl', meaning a trial or judicial process.

trial by ordeal

A situation in which someone must go through a challenging experience to prove their worth or innocence.

the ordeal is over

A phrase indicating that a difficult situation has come to an end.

trial

A test of performance, patience, or quality.

tribulation

A cause of great trouble or suffering.

A rough time.

That whole week was an ordeal; I barely survived it.

A struggle.

Getting through finals felt like an ordeal.