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

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

Two years later, she was admitted to hospital suffering from "nervous exhaustion" but gradually returned to public life - where she took a close interest in organisations that helped the young and the elderly.

From BBC

Prof Mabbott said: "Living a lot longer, but suffering from the multiple morbidities that can accompany ageing, and in-and-out of hospital for another tissue transplant does not sound an attractive way to spend my retirement!"

From BBC

The high always works till it doesn’t — then comes the suffering.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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