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Definition of suffering

suffering

/ˈsʌf.ə.ɹɪŋ/
suf · fer · ing
Adverb:sufferingly
•
Plural:sufferings
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suffering Lexical Profile

suffering Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The state of undergoing physical pain, mental distress, or hardship.

Example

"Modern palliative care focuses on alleviating the suffering of patients with chronic illnesses."

2

An instance of pain, distress, or hardship (usually used in the plural).

Example

"The memoir recounts the severe sufferings endured by the explorers during the harsh winter."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Experiencing or subjected to physical pain, mental distress, or severe hardship.

Example

"The medical team worked tirelessly to bring relief to the suffering patients in the clinic."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for suffering

• Nearby Words

suez
suffer
sufferer
suffering
suffice
sufficiency
sufficient

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the verb 'suffer' plus the suffix '-ing'; 'suffer' derives from Anglo-Norman 'suffrir', from Latin 'sufferre' ('to bear, undergo, or endure'), composed of 'sub-' ('under') and 'ferre' ('to bear or carry').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Suffering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/suffering
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