significant suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant suffering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a considerable amount of pain or distress experienced by someone or something. Example: "The documentary highlighted the significant suffering endured by the victims of the natural disaster."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Despite clear law, as well as ethical and mainstream religious opinion, many of us die with significant suffering, pain and rejection of our preferences.

The New York Times

Visual impairment and blindness are major public health problems causing significant suffering, disability, loss of productivity, and diminishing quality of life for millions of people.

Public Health

For instance, 40 to 70percentt of Americans die in pain, 80percentt die in institutions rather than at home as many prefer, 60percentt of Americans have significant suffering when they die.

The New York Times - Health

Even under the best of circumstances, transplants cause significant suffering and disability and they are always life-altering.

Forbes

Perhaps by selecting for traits that clearly cause significant suffering and a typically short life span (e.g., Tay-Sachs disease, Lesch-Nyan syndrome).

SEP

For instance, genocide is an evil institution since significant suffering and a loss of social vitality result from its normal and correct operation without moral justification (Card 2010, 237 293).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Using a cut-off ≥5, 70% of the treatment group were suffering from significant distress (66% of the control group).

BMC Cancer

Their work is rewarding, but also demanding – confronting significant human suffering, loss and family breakdowns or untangling business transactions with livelihoods and businesses at stake.

The Guardian

Osteoarthritis is a type of joint disease which results in significant patient suffering and a large financial burden on both the health system and employers.

Nature

In a statement, Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Guzman had caused "significant violence, suffering and corruption on multiple continents".

BBC

I say unfortunately because the new normal that asserted itself has involved significant human suffering.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the impact of a situation or event, use "significant suffering" to convey the magnitude of the distress experienced by individuals or communities. It is effective in conveying the seriousness of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "significant suffering" in contexts where the distress is minor or exaggerated. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when describing genuinely severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant suffering" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "suffering". As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used to describe a notable degree of pain or distress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "significant suffering" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a considerable degree of pain, distress, or hardship. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively communicates the intensity and impact of adverse experiences. Predominantly found in news and scientific contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for formal and professional communication. While alternatives like "considerable distress" or "intense agony" exist, "significant suffering" provides a balanced and widely understood means of conveying the seriousness of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerable pain

Focuses on the physical aspect of suffering.

intense agony

Conveys a higher degree of pain and torment.

substantial distress

Highlights the emotional and mental anguish.

acute anguish

Emphasizes the sharp and sudden nature of the suffering.

profound misery

Focuses on the deep and lasting nature of the suffering.

severe hardship

Emphasizes the difficult conditions causing the suffering.

grievous affliction

Focuses on the burden and impact of the suffering.

terrible ordeal

Highlights the difficult and trying experience.

extreme adversity

Highlights the challenging and difficult circumstances.

heavy burden

Emphasizes the weight and pressure caused by suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "significant suffering" in a sentence?

You can use "significant suffering" to describe a state of considerable pain or distress. For example, "The war caused "significant suffering" among the civilian population".

What are some alternatives to "significant suffering"?

Alternatives include "considerable distress", "severe hardship", or "intense agony", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "significant suffering" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant suffering" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a clear and direct way to describe considerable pain or distress. Its use is common in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts.

What is the difference between "significant suffering" and "minor discomfort"?

"Significant suffering" indicates a high degree of pain and distress, while "minor discomfort" suggests a slight and easily manageable level of unease. The phrases denote vastly different experiences.