Definitions

hardship

[hahrd-ship] / ˈhɑrd ʃɪp /

NOUN

personal burden

Synonyms

STRONGEST

adversity calamity catastrophe danger difficulty disaster discomfort fatigue grief hazard injury misery misfortune oppression peril persecution sorrow suffering torment trouble worry

STRONG

accident affliction asperity austerity case curse destitution distress drudgery grievance labor mischance need privation rigor toil travail trial tribulation vicissitude want

WEAK

Herculean task hard knocks rainy day rotten luck tough break tough luck uphill battle

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage aid assistance benefit blessing boon calmness cheer comfort contentment delight ease favor fortune good fortune good luck happiness health help joy miracle peace pleasure prosperity relief safety security success wonder

STRONG

compliment entertainment fun mildness plenty praise

WEAK

gain good profit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Beset by financial hardship, in part because of a devastating injury in a ferryboat accident, Meucci was unable to afford the $10 fee to renew his caveat, which as a result expired.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Ganpatrao also took her to music directors, hoping to profit from her talent and exerting control over her, causing her great hardship, Mangeshkar told film historian Nasrin Munni Kabir.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

This led him to such positions as endorsing a fare hike—a hardship for some low-income riders but good for the transit employees.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

It spread countrywide the following day, fueled by longstanding frustration over corruption and economic hardship.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

After Roosevelt clearly pointed to the exact location of the formerly unknown river, the audience listened in rapt attention to his stories of hardship and survival.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Vocabulary lists containing hardship

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Donald Trump Inauguration Address- January 20, 2017

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