1. severe suffering or privation; difficult circumstances that cause pain or distress

Examples

• The family endured great hardship during the economic recession.
• Many immigrants faced hardship when they first arrived in the new country.
• The drought caused severe hardship for local farmers.
• She overcame tremendous hardship to become a successful doctor.
• The war brought hardship to millions of civilians.
• Financial hardship forced them to sell their home.
• Despite the hardship, the community remained united and hopeful.