hardships

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hardships" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to difficult or challenging situations, often of a physical or psychological nature, that someone has to face or endure. Example: Joe had to overcome many hardships before he could finally find success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Foffi said refugees' journeys typically started three months before arrival at the shores of north Africa, and involved hardships that saw around half of the travellers die.

The Guardian

"At times it is appropriate to refrain from performing certain acts of obedience," he said, "in order to avoid the hardships of others".

The Guardian - Arts

Syriza is building its popularity on a slate of promises designed to ease the hardships that millions of Greek face.

The Guardian

Write down the skills you will need to start a business, income projections, some of the hardships you expect to face (so you are prepared for them) and what you hope to achieve (financial freedom, work-life balance).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The infamous wink caught on camera during talk-back radio, when the caller revealed she does phone sex work, was a particularly insensitive look from Abbott given she was also telling him about the hardships she faces from his budget.

The Guardian - Opinion

But, despite the hardships and the imminent threat of camp closure, the number of returnees has recently decreased dramatically.

The Guardian

The fear is, here and everywhere, that this autumn's hardships are just the beginning: there will come a point when no amount of ingenuity, flexibility and cunning can stand in the way of empty coffers.

The Guardian

In Peckham, some of the distrust was directed towards the Guardian and LSE, which a few participants portrayed as outsiders who would struggle to comprehend the hardships faced in the area.

The Guardian

"Blaming poor people or migrants for hardships at the time of economic crisis is not entirely unknown, but it is not intelligent politics in my view.

The Guardian

He says that being sanctioned, and the hardships that followed, led to him trying to take his own life at his dining-room table.

The Guardian

Van life is not without its hardships, however.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "hardships", provide specific details or examples to make your writing more vivid and impactful. Avoid vague generalizations.

Common error

Avoid overusing the phrase in a way that sounds clichéd or melodramatic. Instead, focus on providing a fresh and insightful perspective on the challenges faced.

Linguistic Context

The word "hardships" functions primarily as a noun, typically plural, referring to conditions that are difficult, painful, or burdensome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable grammatical form. It often serves as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, describing the nature of experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hardships" is a common and grammatically sound term used to describe difficult or challenging situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to formal business settings. When using the term "hardships", it is important to provide specific details to enhance the impact of your writing. While synonyms like "difficult times" and "trials and tribulations" exist, "hardships" often implies more severe and prolonged suffering. Be mindful of overusing the term in a clichéd manner, and always strive for a fresh and insightful perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult times

Focuses on the temporal aspect of the difficulties, suggesting a period of struggle.

tough experiences

Emphasizes the personal impact and nature of the difficult events.

adverse conditions

Highlights the unfavorable circumstances that cause difficulties.

trials and tribulations

A more literary phrase that encompasses both tests and suffering.

life's challenges

Broadly refers to the difficulties inherent in living.

periods of adversity

Highlights the state of facing difficulties and misfortune.

times of suffering

Emphasizes the pain and distress experienced during difficult periods.

difficult circumstances

Focuses on the specific situations that cause difficulties.

ordeals

Stresses the severity and testing nature of the experiences.

setbacks

Emphasizes the delays and obstructions encountered.

FAQs

How can I use the word "hardships" in a sentence?

You can use "hardships" to describe difficult or challenging situations that someone faces. For example, "Despite the "economic hardships", they remained optimistic."

What are some synonyms for "hardships"?

Some synonyms for "hardships" include "difficult times", "trials and tribulations", and "adverse conditions".

What is the difference between "hardships" and "difficulties"?

"Hardships" often implies more severe and prolonged suffering than "difficulties". "Difficulties" can refer to minor challenges, while "hardships" suggests significant adversity.

Is it correct to use "hardships" in formal writing?

Yes, "hardships" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a standard English word with a clear and widely understood meaning. Just make sure to use it accurately in context.