as in difficulty
something that is a cause for suffering or special effort especially in the attainment of a goal
working two jobs was a hardship he was willing to endure to get out of debt
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Recent Examples of hardship
Entering production in Atlanta in a few days, Hal is a Zero Gravity Management production following Hal Donaldson, a journalist shaped by early hardship who believes his voice is his path forward.
—
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
As so often happens in human history, though, constant hardships produce people who are resilient.
—Robert W. Laird, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
But this time – they are also motivated by economic hardship.
—James Sneed, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026
Patients going through financial hardships can also sometimes qualify for charity programs, which subsidize their prescriptions.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardship
Matt Grobar, Deadline, 6 Feb. 2026
As so often happens in human history, though, constant hardships produce people who are resilient.
—Robert W. Laird, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2026
But this time – they are also motivated by economic hardship.
—James Sneed, NPR, 6 Feb. 2026
Patients going through financial hardships can also sometimes qualify for charity programs, which subsidize their prescriptions.
—Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hardship
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hardship
difficulty
Noun
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However, semiconductor analysts broadly agree with Cheng’s assessment that Washington’s most ambitious onshoring plans are unfeasible, citing the difficulties of relocating such an advanced supply chain.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
10 Feb. 2026
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For serious symptoms, like difficulty breathing or rash with a fever, get immediate medical attention.—
Ruth Jessen Hickman,
Health,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hardship.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hardship. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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