ordeal

USAGE SUMMARY

'ordeal' is an acceptable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a difficult experience or task. For example, "It was an ordeal to get through all the paperwork for my immigration application."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Eventually he emerged, weak from his ordeal and his diet of only two bananas per day during his captivity.

The Guardian

That they should miss two glorious opportunities to take a potentially decisive advantage seemed merely to underline the ­certainty of their looming ordeal.

The Guardian - Sport

The identity of the teams and the nature of the result seem to imply that Rangers had somehow come through an ordeal full of terror.

The Guardian - Sport

Núñez said her daughter was doing well following her ordeal, returning to school and resuming the usual life of a teenager.

The Guardian

American journalist Theo Padnos, who was taken captive in Syria and held for almost two years, has told of his ordeal in a lengthy and graphic New York Times magazine article.

The Guardian

Remarkably, Ferguson even finds space to praise Cantona for showing "determination and strength of character in his handling of his prolonged ordeal".

The Guardian - Sport

Jaroben survives the ordeal, but is left with a fistula, a small hole between her bladder and vagina.

The Guardian

Keza, who comes from a poor district in the capital, says she was locked up and used as a sex slave by a senior intelligence officer for several months when she was 15. "He threatened me and he threatened my parents," she says, adding that she no longer wishes to see her family after the ordeal.

The Guardian

Elizabeth Bincliffe, Stephanie's mother said: "We are disappointed that the verdict does not reflect the ordeal that we as a family have gone through, or that Stephanie went through.

The Guardian

But the form-filling ordeal stayed with him.

The Guardian - Books

The first – probably representing the majority of his colleagues – confided that he heard from the chairman only after a defeat, when his hour-plus ordeal felt like a cross-examination.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events in the past, ensure verb tenses are consistent when referring to the "ordeal" and its related circumstances to maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

Avoid using "ordeal" to describe everyday inconveniences; reserve it for genuinely difficult, testing experiences. Using it too casually dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The noun "ordeal" functions as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a difficult or trying experience. The examples from Ludwig show it being used to describe periods of captivity, medical procedures, and legal battles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ordeal" is a versatile noun frequently used to describe a difficult, painful, or trying experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media, conveying significant hardships. To prevent misuse, avoid applying "ordeal" to minor inconveniences, reserving it for substantial challenges. Alternatives include "trying experience" or "difficult time". Remember that overusing it can dilute its impact. The high source quality and expert rating further confirm its reliability and consistent usage in quality content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying experience

Focuses on the difficulty and challenge involved.

difficult time

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of hardship.

severe trial

Highlights the testing nature and intensity of the experience.

painful episode

Focuses on the emotional or physical pain caused.

grueling experience

Highlights the exhausting and demanding nature of the experience.

harrowing event

Emphasizes the distressing and disturbing aspect of the situation.

testing time

Focuses on the aspect of being tested and challenged.

tough situation

Highlights the overall difficulty and unpleasantness.

fiery crucible

Uses a metaphor to describe a severe test or trial.

baptism of fire

Describes a difficult first experience or introduction to something.

FAQs

How to use "ordeal" in a sentence?

You can use "ordeal" to describe a difficult or painful experience. For example, "The surgery and recovery process was a long and painful ordeal."

What can I say instead of "ordeal"?

You can use alternatives like "trying experience", "difficult time", or "severe trial" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "ordeal" and "trial"?

"Ordeal" typically refers to a difficult or painful experience that tests one's endurance, while "trial" is a more general term for a test or challenge. The word "ordeal" often implies greater severity.

Is "ordeal" formal or informal?

The word "ordeal" is neither strictly formal nor informal. Its appropriateness depends on the context. It is suitable for news reports, academic writing, and general conversation when describing a significant hardship.