ordeals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordeals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to difficult or painful experiences that someone has gone through. Example: "After facing numerous ordeals during her journey, she emerged stronger and more resilient."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Three Oxford University students who say they were sexually assaulted are preparing to write about their harrowing ordeals for the first time, inspired by a fellow undergraduate who penned a defiant open letter to her attacker.

The Guardian

We have much more fighting to do!" Now Cherwell is preparing to publish letters or articles from other students who have been inspired to open up about their own ordeals.

The Guardian

All leverage the power of online social networks: challengers are tagged on their Facebook profiles; pictures are shared via Twitter; ordeals are videotaped and spread via Instagram.Celebrities have faced the ice bucket challenge for a few weeks.

The Economist

On camera, refugees recounted their ordeals and lamented the loss of something precious: their books.

The Economist

A few months ago, she felt briefly proud that she had clocked up three "red-eye" flights in six days; then she ran into a colleague at a meeting in a Heathrow hotel who was undergoing two such ordeals on successive nights.

The Economist

In June a book by a journalist about the hundreds of thousands of families who have experienced such ordeals became a bestseller.

The Economist

After ordeals that would do in a lesser woman, all ends well.

The Economist

Petty criminals, even juveniles, face such ordeals just as often.

The Economist

He imagines himself as France's next president the contest's first round is on April 21st and is willing to endure all the ordeals this fantasy involves: ghastly "dinner-debates" in endless small towns, appearances on every possible television chat-show, instant quotes for every idiot journalist.In this section Could the euro's nuclear option ever be used?

The Economist

Lucy and Jorge Orta, two contemporary artists, have created the set; Nitin Sawhney, a musician, provides a near-constant claustrophobic soundscape; and several talented actors, led by Harriet Walter and Imogen Stubbs, recount the ordeals of the besieged.Medical supply crates, sandbags and hospital beds lie scattered around the industrial interior of the brewery.

The Economist

Despite these ordeals, literacy rates have increased from around 20% in 1949 to over 95% now.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about sensitive topics like sexual assault, use "ordeals" to convey the harrowing nature of the experience while maintaining a respectful tone.

Common error

Avoid using "ordeals" to describe minor inconveniences. The word carries a weight of suffering and should be reserved for genuinely difficult and trying experiences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ordeals" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of severe trials or difficult experiences. Ludwig AI highlights numerous examples where "ordeals" functions as the object of a sentence or clause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

30%

Independent

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "ordeals" refers to difficult and trying experiences, as validated by Ludwig AI. As a plural noun, it’s used to describe severe tests or trials, often evoking empathy. While grammatically correct and very common, it should be reserved for truly difficult situations, avoiding overuse in casual contexts. Its presence is especially noticeable in news and encyclopedic sources, but less frequent in more informal ones. While synonyms like "hardships" and "difficult experiences" exist, "ordeals" carries a weight suggesting greater suffering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trials and tribulations

Emphasizes both the testing and suffering aspects of difficult experiences.

difficult experiences

A broader term that encompasses various types of challenging situations.

hardships

Focuses on the difficult and adverse conditions one faces.

testing times

Highlights the challenging and evaluative nature of the period.

severe trials

Stresses the intensity and gravity of the challenges.

difficult times

A general term for periods of adversity.

adverse experiences

Focuses on the unfavorable and negative aspects of the situations.

grueling tests

Highlights the exhausting and demanding nature of the challenges.

painful experiences

Emphasizes the emotional and physical suffering involved.

calamitous events

Emphasizes disaster and misfortune.

FAQs

How can I use "ordeals" in a sentence?

"Ordeals" refers to severe or trying experiences. For example, "The refugees recounted the "ordeals" they faced during the war."

What are some synonyms for "ordeals"?

Synonyms for "ordeals" include "trials and tribulations", "hardships", and "difficult experiences", depending on the specific context.

Is "ordeals" formal or informal?

"Ordeals" is generally considered a neutral to formal term. While it can appear in news and media, it is also commonly found in encyclopedias and more formal writing. For a less formal term, consider "difficult times".

What is the difference between "ordeals" and "challenges"?

"Ordeals" typically implies a more severe and painful experience than "challenges". While challenges can be difficult, "ordeals" suggest a more intense and potentially traumatic experience.