severe hardship

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "severe hardship" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that causes significant difficulty or suffering, often in contexts related to financial, emotional, or physical challenges. Example: "The recent economic downturn has led to severe hardship for many families struggling to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

What was a severe hardship for most, though, liberated her.

The New York Times

Sanctions plunge people into severe hardship and advisers see the harm that sanctions cause to claimants and their families".

The Guardian

In Makokoba township, a suburb of Bulawayo, where protests have broken out, there is evidence of increasingly severe hardship.

The Guardian

"These cuts would result in severe hardship and diminished services for individuals with disabilities, their families and providers".

The New York Times

Removal of price subsidies on corn (maize), fuel, and fertilizer had inflicted severe hardship on daily life.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He and his partner were set on by Sioux and experienced severe hardship before finally reaching Fort Laramie.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Many secretaries, food service employees and janitors are also facing severe hardships, he said.

The New York Times

Before the rule is finalized, the administration must fix a provision that could still cause severe hardships.

The New York Times

Now, Israeli officials are studying an undoing of what Mr. Dayan did, including disentangling the water and electricity systems, which would inflict severe hardships on the Palestinians.

The New York Times

Removing the rider that barred financing for abortions was especially important, Ms. Norton said, because it "has created severe hardships for low-income women in the District".

The New York Times

Economic unification caused particularly severe hardships for eastern German workers; unemployment rose sharply and industrial output fell by two-thirds in the years after unification.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "severe hardship", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the intensity of the difficulty or suffering. Provide specific details to illustrate the extent of the hardship to enhance the impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "severe hardship" in situations that involve minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase is best reserved for situations that cause genuine distress and suffering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "severe hardship" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of considerable difficulty, suffering, or privation. It typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, indicating the condition experienced by individuals or groups. Ludwig AI validates its effective usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "severe hardship" effectively communicates a state of significant difficulty and suffering. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and formal business communications. The phrase is most frequently used in News & Media. When writing, remember that this phrase best fits situations involving genuine distress, not minor inconveniences. Alternatives like "extreme difficulty" or "acute deprivation" can provide nuanced options, depending on the precise context. By understanding these guidelines, you can accurately and impactfully convey the gravity of difficult circumstances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extreme difficulty

Emphasizes the intensity of the difficulty experienced, focusing on the challenging nature of the situation.

acute deprivation

Highlights the lack of essential resources and the severity of the resulting conditions.

dire straits

Implies a desperate and precarious situation, often with limited options for escape.

major adversity

Focuses on the significant challenges and obstacles encountered.

intense suffering

Highlights the emotional and physical pain endured.

serious privation

Emphasizes the lack of basic necessities and comforts in life.

significant distress

Focuses on the emotional and psychological strain experienced.

harsh conditions

Highlights the difficult and often unpleasant circumstances faced.

desperate circumstances

Emphasizes the urgency and severity of the situation.

tough times

A more general and less intense way to describe a period of difficulty.

FAQs

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

You can use "severe hardship" to describe situations that cause significant difficulty or suffering. For example: "The economic crisis caused "severe hardship" for many families."

What are some alternatives to "severe hardship"?

Alternatives include "extreme difficulty", "acute deprivation", or "dire straits", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "severe hardship" in a business context?

Yes, it is appropriate, especially when describing economic downturns or financial difficulties that significantly impact individuals or organizations. However, ensure the severity aligns with the described situation.

What distinguishes "severe hardship" from "moderate difficulty"?

"Severe hardship" implies a level of intensity and suffering that goes beyond mere inconvenience. It suggests a situation that fundamentally challenges one's ability to cope and thrive, while "moderate difficulty" suggests manageable challenges.