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

Most of these households use multiple strategies, revealing how financial hardship can force people to make several compromises at once. — Sanya Carley, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Edly also offers deferment and forbearance options for eligible borrowers facing financial hardship. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2026

Together the Bakkers spoke of the souls saved and the hardships overcome by those who put their lives in the hands of the Lord. — Steve Marble, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

The National Cancer Institute notes that people with cancer and cancer survivors are more likely to experience financial hardship than people without cancer. — Prashanthi Nuthi, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026