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Definitions

ordeal

[awr-deel, -dee-uhl, awr-deel] / ɔrˈdil, -ˈdi əl, ˈɔr dil /


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.

It was always an emotionally and financially taxing ordeal, but I always felt like I had no choice.

From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026

She estimates the lost income, startup debt and out-of-pocket medical costs from her ordeal at more than $147,000.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Several French pro-Palestinian activists on Friday described what they said was a violent and humiliating ordeal after they were detained by Israeli forces on a Gaza-bound flotilla.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

What followed was an hours-long ordeal on a life raft, as the pilot and the passengers waited for rescuers to find them.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

But knowing that Zeitoun’s ordeal was caused instead by systemic ignorance and malfunction—and perhaps long-festering paranoia on the part of the National Guard and whatever other agencies were involved—was unsettling.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers




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