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.

It is a story of adventure, exploration and hardship that has become part of the founding myth of the United States.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

"Further support is being provided for current students whose studies could otherwise have been disrupted by financial hardship," a spokesperson added.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

The chancellor said the war is "causing real hardship for people now",

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

Many westerners believed that the pioneering women who had moved west and endured significant hardship now deserved the right to participate in government through the vote.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Vocabulary lists containing hardship

ASVAB Word Knowledge

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Donald Trump Inauguration Address- January 20, 2017

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