encounter hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

'encounter hardship' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is generally used when referring to an experience of difficulty, challenge, or adversity, and can be used in a variety of contexts. For example, "The family had to encounter hardship when they moved to a new city and had difficulty finding work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They encounter hardship – even death – as they go on to accept menial, backbreaking jobs on farms.

The New York Times

For those who do encounter hardship, the least common reason is a lack of qualifications.

University of California, Berkeley

Ninety percent of startups fail and, given the volatility of the industry, even established companies may encounter hardship.

TechCrunch

On this view, the main reason people with disabilities encounter hardship is because they suffer discrimination along the same lines as racial or ethnic minorities.

SEP

Rather than getting down on yourself for making a mistake, or hosting a pity party when you encounter hardship, self-compassion involves taking a kind, but realistic view of your experience.

Forbes

Lisa tries to be a committed locavore, but she is bothered by the fact that some of the farms from which she buys might suffer if they encounter hardship one year, need a loan to get them through to the next, but are constituted by groups of friends (or even unmarried partners) instead of immediate family.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In fact, the classic VNOS and modern VNOS have not received same courtesy over last three decades, partly because positivistic philosophy has encountered hardship in the Western world.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

Rising numbers of young vets have encountered hardship and homelessness.

Huffington Post

Your life would be a very dull one if you never failed or encountered hardship.

WikiHow

Gloucester is a fishing town of 30,000 that is encountering hardships with the decline of the fishing industry.

The New York Times

"He was a man who lived an extraordinary life and encountered hardships most of us can't imagine.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "encounter hardship", consider the specific context to determine if a more nuanced phrase might better convey the nature of the difficulty. For example, "face challenges" may be more appropriate in a professional setting.

Common error

Avoid using "encounter hardship" in overly casual conversations. It can sound stilted or overly dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "have a tough time" or "go through a rough patch" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter hardship" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase, generally referring to an experience of difficulty, challenge, or adversity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "encounter hardship" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe the experience of facing difficulties or adversity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While suitable for various contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, academic writing, and scientific publications. Alternatives such as "face difficulties" or "experience adversity" may offer more nuance depending on the situation. When writing, consider the specific context to ensure the chosen phrase aligns with the intended tone and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

face difficulties

Emphasizes confronting problems directly. More neutral than "encounter hardship".

experience adversity

Focuses on the state of facing unfavorable circumstances; slightly more formal.

undergo trials

Implies a test of endurance or faith; carries a stronger emotional weight.

meet with misfortune

Highlights the element of bad luck or fate; less direct and more passive.

endure suffering

Stresses the prolonged experience of pain or distress; more intense than "encounter hardship".

contend with challenges

Highlights effort and active engagement in overcoming difficulties; more proactive.

struggle through adversity

Emphasizes the act of fighting against difficulties; suggests a longer and more arduous process.

bear the brunt of

Suggests absorbing the worst effects of something; more specific in its implication.

go through hell

An idiom that indicates a period of intense suffering and difficulty; less formal.

navigate rough waters

Implies skillfully managing a difficult situation; uses a nautical metaphor.

FAQs

How can I use "encounter hardship" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter hardship" to describe facing difficult or adverse situations. For example: "Many immigrants "encounter hardship" when they arrive in a new country."

What are some alternatives to "encounter hardship"?

Alternatives include "face difficulties", "experience adversity", or "undergo trials" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "encounter hardship" formal or informal?

"Encounter hardship" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In very casual conversation, simpler phrases may be more appropriate, but it's suitable for news, academic writing, and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "encounter hardship" and "face challenges"?

"Encounter hardship" emphasizes the negative or difficult aspects of a situation, while "face challenges" suggests a more proactive approach to overcoming obstacles. "Face challenges" often implies a sense of determination and problem-solving.