suffering

noun

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

the homeless live with 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

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
Recent Examples on the Web President Biden has called on Israel to do more to facilitate aid deliveries and announced Friday that the United States would begin airdrops over Gaza to ease the suffering. Hajar Harb, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 The White House seemingly intended to portray President Joe Biden as a leader taking decisive action to alleviate human suffering and mass hunger approaching starvation. Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 Mar. 2024 The grinding poverty, suffering and political disenfranchisement of Afro-Jamaicans persisted under British colonial rule. John Blake, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 On Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing the immense suffering resulting from the Israel-Hamas War. Kira Caspers, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024 Fixates on internal feelings of pain and suffering, perpetuating a sense of helplessness and martyrdom. Mark Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 And for all the years of early death and suffering — from the time of settler colonialism and the colonizers came over to grab land, to commit genocide amongst and towards the Indigenous people, and the capture of Africans brought here to be enslaved — all of it is too late. Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 1 Mar. 2024 Her twin brother, Victor, was in the truck’s cab suffering seizures from chemical burns. Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2024 Athill’s troubles fit the mold of the memoir of suffering, but her unruffled attitude doesn’t. Hillary Kelly, The New Yorker, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'suffering.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near suffering

Cite this Entry

“Suffering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/suffering. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

suffering

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