suffering

1 of 2

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce suffering (audio)
Synonyms of suffering
1
: the state or experience of one that suffers
2
: pain

suffering

2 of 2

present participle of suffer

Choose the Right Synonym for suffering

distress, suffering, misery, agony mean the state of being in great trouble.

distress implies an external and usually temporary cause of great physical or mental strain and stress.

the hurricane put everyone in great distress

suffering implies conscious endurance of pain or distress.

the suffering of famine victims

misery stresses the unhappiness attending especially sickness, poverty, or loss.

some people live in misery every day

agony suggests pain too intense to be borne.

in agony over the death of their child

Examples of suffering in a Sentence

Noun ways to alleviate human suffering They hope these new drugs will help to bring an end to the suffering of arthritis patients. His lawsuit seeks damages for pain and suffering. the sufferings of the dying
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Noun
The actions of the first medical providers caused permanent injury, disfigurement and suffering, according to the lawsuit. — Zoey Thomas, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026 Sick and suffering and young and stupid do not factor into the construction of a case against you. — Ivy Wolk, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026 Advertisement One production focuses on the suffering Israel inflicted, the other on the suffering Israelis endured. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 26 Oct. 2026 In a profound moment of national vulnerability, when Americans needed a distraction from the suffering and anxiety, baseball provided it. — Don Riddell, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for suffering

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of suffering was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing suffering

Rhymes for suffering

See All Rhymes for suffering

Browse Nearby Words

suffer fools gladly
suffering
suffer in silence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffering. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

suffering

noun
suf·​fer·​ing
1
: the state or experience of one that suffers
2
: a pain or injury endured

More from Merriam-Webster on suffering

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for suffering

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about suffering

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