suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing ˈsə-f(ə-)riŋ 

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.

some people live in 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

In many scenes, the suffering of animals at human hands is apparent and yet the tone of the documentary remains even and nonjudgmental. —Matthew Carey, Deadline, 23 Mar. 2025

The plaintiffs seek damages related to Strain’s death, including compensation for financial losses, including funeral expenses and emotional suffering. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 22 Mar. 2025

In Buddhism, happiness equates freedom from suffering, or Nirvana, which is achieved by understanding and ending the cycle of attachment and craving, which are seen as the root causes of suffering. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025

Yet for all of the suffering for ordinary Palestinians that war guarantees, Hamas appears more adrift than ever. —Mkhaimar Abusada, The Conversation, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing suffering

• long-suffering

Rhymes for suffering

• buffering

Kids Definition

suffering

noun

suf·​fer·​ing

1

: the state or experience of one that suffers

2

: a pain or injury endured