suffering

[suhf-er-ing, suhf-ring]

noun

1. the state of a person or thing that suffers.

   Synonyms: distress, pain, torture, torment, agony

2. Often sufferings. something suffered by a person or a group of people; pain.

   the sorrows and sufferings of our poorest citizens.

suffering

/ ˈsʌfrɪŋ, ˈsʌfərɪŋ /

noun

1. the pain, misery, or loss experienced by a person who suffers

2. the state or an instance of enduring pain, etc

Other Word Forms

• sufferingly adverb
• unsuffering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of suffering¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; suffer + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

Services in Santa Monica are also suffering, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

But as the question of Deen’s business savvy comes into question, “Canceled” cleverly switches gear, diving into an anecdote about Deen’s life pre-fame, enduring an abusive marriage and suffering from intense agoraphobia.

From Salon

But to go from suffering a demoralising defeat at SW19 to reaching a second major final just two months later is simply astonishing.

From BBC

After suffering physical issues early in his career, he transformed himself into a complete athlete and rose to the top of the sport thanks to his speed, strength, stamina and flexibility.

From BBC

"Just give me back my motorcycle. I just want a peaceful life and I am suffering a lot."

From BBC

Related Words

• adversity 
• anguish 
• difficulty 
• discomfort 
• hardship 
• misery 
• misfortune 
• ordeal 
• torment 
• torture