Synonyms of hardship

hardship

noun

ˈhärd-ˌship 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• difficulty
• obstacle
• adversity
• hurdle
• hardness
• trial
• rigor
• inconvenience
• discomfort
• asperity
• misfortune
• nuisance
• tribulation
• tragedy
• embarrassment
• interference
• hindrance
• obstruction
• impediment
• affliction
• mishap
• let
• handicap
• deterrent
• encumbrance
• inhibition
• rub
• hitch
• snag
• stop
• knock
• chain
• shackle
• catch
• crimp
• hump
• clog
• pons asinorum
• trammel
• block
• bar
• check
• manacle
• fetter

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• opportunity
• advantage
• break

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hardship

And a 2025 study by the IZA Institute of Labor Economics showed that state minimum-wage increases meaningfully reduced poverty and food hardship, not just for minimum-wage workers but across the broader working-age population. —Nick Hanauer, The Atlantic, 22 May 2026

Dern’s life has seen an incredible juxtaposition between privilege and hardship. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 20 May 2026

The project comes on the heels of filmmaker Nina Lee and Will Packer discussing the rarity of You, Me & Tuscany alongside the hardships and hurdles that Black romance films must overcome in the industry from conception to funding to box office. —Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 19 May 2026

Despite the hardship, Johnson said volunteers and donations from across the country have helped keep the ranch operating. —Kailey Schuyler, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2026