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.

He thinks troubled High Streets are a "visual manifestation of the economic hardship that a lot of places feel".

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

“As Stanton residents call me, I hear the hardship and a lack of adequate resources,” Torres read from a prepared text.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

Still, a loan from a retirement account is not as damaging as a hardship withdrawal.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

"Every step was enjoyable despite the extreme hardship."

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

“Anyway, Pastor Snyder says that the Lord will deliver us from hardship, but Miss Katherine says it’s all a lie, and after what I seen...I’m scared, Jane. I don’t know what’s going to happen next.”

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland

Vocabulary lists containing hardship

ASVAB Word Knowledge

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Donald Trump Inauguration Address- January 20, 2017

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