tribulation

USAGE SUMMARY

'tribulation' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a state of great trouble or suffering. Example sentence: The economic tribulations of the past decade have been difficult to overcome.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How, then, do you explain the Sydney Opera House nearby, another iconic publicly funded building whose construction 40 years later involved far more tribulation?The bridge's opening sealed Sydney's status as Australia's most dynamic city, and started the process by which Sydney would eventually seize from Melbourne the role of Australia's financial capital.

The Economist

Grabbing Grameen The power of tribes ReprintsDivine inspiration, alas, has given way to legal tribulation.

The Economist

The draft meets many of their longstanding demands, in particular the legal incorporation of a "charter of fundamental rights" and the establishment of an independent "legal personality" for the EU.In this section The lesson of Slobodan Milosevic's trial and tribulation Asking the unanswerable Reform provokes outrage Ever closer in all but name Outsiders aren't helping Back to bloodshed?

The Economist

His behaviour has put the entire tribunal indeed the very idea of international war-crimes trials to its severest test.In this section The lesson of Slobodan Milosevic's trial and tribulation Asking the unanswerable Reform provokes outrage Ever closer in all but name Outsiders aren't helping Back to bloodshed?

The Economist

It had taken years of tribulation to agree on the European Union's Lisbon treaty, which had only recently come into effect.

The Economist

Through all the tension and human tribulation, Mr Crouch is a passionate yea-sayer.

The Economist

Roughly four in ten expect Jesus to return by 2050, and although the Book of Revelation is hardly crystal clear about the details, many think the Second Coming will be preceded by a "Great Tribulation" involving earthquakes, floods, famine, the rise of the Antichrist and the death of most of humanity.

The Economist

American and European policymakers are annoyed by Mr Djindjic's recent suggestion that, if Kosovo voted for independence, the Serbs in Bosnia might follow suit.In this section The lesson of Slobodan Milosevic's trial and tribulation Asking the unanswerable Reform provokes outrage Ever closer in all but name Outsiders aren't helping Back to bloodshed?

The Economist

A time of great tribulation, violence and chaos in the natural world, the group believes, will be followed by the coming of a new heaven and new earth.

The Economist

Almost the only rich Moldovans are those who smuggle their compatriots into the EU for a hefty price and then take a slice of their wages.In this section The lesson of Slobodan Milosevic's trial and tribulation Asking the unanswerable Reform provokes outrage Ever closer in all but name Outsiders aren't helping Back to bloodshed?

The Economist

CHRISTIANITY'S founder told his disciples to expect tribulation in this world.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tribulation" to convey a sense of significant adversity or suffering, often with a connotation of a test of endurance or faith. It's particularly effective in formal writing or when discussing historical or religious contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "tribulation" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler words like "trouble", "difficulty", or "hardship" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tribulation" is as a noun, referring to a state of great trouble or suffering. It is used both as a common noun to describe general adversity and as a proper noun in religious contexts, particularly concerning eschatological beliefs. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, aligning with examples found in various texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

19%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

27%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tribulation" is a grammatically sound noun used to describe significant adversity or suffering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, especially within News & Media and Encyclopedias. While versatile, it leans towards a formal register. For less formal settings, consider alternatives like ""hardship"" or "difficulty". Remember, "tribulation" often carries a connotation of endurance or testing, making it most impactful when you aim to convey profound challenges.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardship

Focuses on the difficulty and burden experienced.

suffering

Emphasizes the pain and distress endured.

adversity

Highlights unfavorable conditions and challenges.

ordeal

Suggests a severe or trying experience.

affliction

Implies a cause of persistent pain or distress.

misfortune

Refers to bad luck or an unfortunate event.

calamity

Denotes a disastrous event or situation.

torment

Emphasizes severe physical or mental suffering.

anguish

Highlights extreme distress or sorrow.

distress

Indicates a state of worry or suffering.

FAQs

How to use "tribulation" in a sentence?

Use "tribulation" to describe a state of great trouble or suffering. For example: "The country faced economic "hardship" and "adversity" during the war".

What can I say instead of "tribulation"?

You can use alternatives like ""hardship"", "suffering", or ""adversity"" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "tribulation" a formal word?

Yes, "tribulation" is generally considered a formal word. It's more commonly found in written text, especially in literature, historical accounts, or religious contexts, rather than in everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "tribulation" and "trouble"?

"Tribulation" implies a more severe and prolonged period of suffering or adversity than "trouble", which can refer to minor difficulties or inconveniences.