Suffering: meaning, definitions and examples

General term often used to describe a state of ongoing discomfort or pain, both physical and emotional.

• He endured much suffering during his illness.
• The refugees experienced great suffering after the disaster.

The physical sensation of discomfort, often associated with injury or illness. Can also refer to emotional hurt.

• He felt a sharp pain in his back.
• The pain of losing her was unbearable.

A state of extreme sorrow, stress, or worry. Often used when someone is in trouble or in need of urgent help.

• The child's cry for help indicated he was in distress.
• She looked at him with visible distress after receiving the bad news.

Struggles or challenges, often related to financial or life difficulties over a period of time.

• The family went through years of hardship during the economic crisis.
• Living in the wilderness involves significant hardship.

Intense, often severe pain or mental anguish. Typically used to describe acute situations.

• She was in agony after breaking her leg.
• He couldn't bear the agony of losing his loved one.

Use to describe a state of enduring pain, distress, or hardship. It can be physical, emotional, or mental, without a specific connotation of extreme severity.

• She has been suffering from a severe headache all day
• They are working to alleviate the suffering of the poor

Appropriate to explain the quality of being painful, focusing more on the sensation of pain itself rather than the emotional or situational aspect.

• The painfulness of the injury was evident from his expressions
• The process was known for its painfulness and lengthy recovery time

Best used when describing intense and prolonged emotional or physical distress. Has a more severe and dramatic tone compared to 'suffering'.

• He lived in misery after losing his job
• The flood victims experienced unimaginable misery

Use in literary or poetic contexts to describe great sorrow or distress. It's often used to evoke empathy or sympathy.

• Her life was filled with woe after the tragic event
• He shared his tales of woe with anyone who would listen

Applicable in situations describing severe physical or mental suffering, often suggesting an element of cruelty or prolonged distress. It carries a stronger negative connotation.

• The prisoner was subjected to unimaginable torment
• She was tormented by her memories of the accident

Express feelings of pain or distress, often physical or emotional.

• She felt great suffering after the loss of her pet
• The victims of the disaster endured immense suffering

Sustain something challenging over a long period, with a sense of patience or perseverance.

• The marathon runners endured harsh conditions to finish the race
• Despite the hardships, they endured and came out stronger

Accept or put up with something unpleasant or annoying, often with a focus on patience.

• She learned to tolerate her noisy neighbors
• They tolerate different opinions during the heated debate

Handle or tolerate something painful or difficult, emphasizing the struggle.

• He could not bear the intense heat any longer
• She bore the burden of responsibility with grace

Experience or be subjected to a process, often medical or formal, that involves a significant change or challenge.

• He had to undergo surgery to fix the problem
• The company is undergoing a major restructuring