hardship

noun

hard·ship ˈhärd-ˌship

Synonyms of hardship

: privation, suffering

recovering from financial hardship

: something that causes or entails suffering or privation

the hardships of life on the frontier

Examples of hardship in a Sentence

He had suffered through considerable hardship. The city has been experiencing a period of financial hardship. They had to endure the hardships of life on the frontier.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

As a result of the healthcare and business hardships, Cowdery isn't keen on voting Republican this year. — Saige Miller, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026 But through the hardships, Andrea Soto said the community’s support has been a positive. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 Though the tableaux depict hardships endured by a painter born in 1593, Artemisia, the impressions convey yearning, grief, suffering and resilience that transcend centuries. — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026 Widespread civil unrest over teacher shortages and economic hardship escalated across France over the weekend as rioters clashed with police and stormed public buildings. — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hardship

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of hardship was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Hardship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hardship. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hardship

noun

hard·ship ˈhärd-ˌship

: pain entry 1 sense 2a, privation

: something that causes pain or loss

hardship

noun

Synonyms of hardship

Examples of hardship in a Sentence

Word History

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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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