hardship

Everyday

1. Hardship is a situation of suffering or difficulty, especially from not having enough money, food or other things you need. tree →
2. A hardship is one particular difficulty that makes life hard. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons, hardship describes war, famine and poverty, such as rationing in the Second World War. In everyday adult life seen by a child, families may face financial hardship if a parent loses a job, and schools sometimes have a hardship fund. In stories, characters overcome hardship. Common phrases: «financial hardship», «face hardship», «suffer hardship», «great hardship», «hardship fund».

Examples

• The family faced great hardship during the war. tree →
• Many people suffered hardship when the factory closed. tree →
• Pioneers on the trail to Oregon endured many hardships. tree →
• The school has a hardship fund to help pay for trips. tree →
• Despite the hardship, they stayed cheerful. tree →
• Losing a job can bring financial hardship. tree →
• The explorers suffered hardships of cold and hunger. tree →
• The king said, "Oh, Conall, you came through great hardships. tree →

Note

Usually uncountable (much hardship); countable when you list them (the hardships of the journey). Built from «hard» + «-ship». It is a serious word, kinder than saying people are «poor».