tribulations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tribulations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to difficulties, challenges, or suffering that someone has experienced, often in a context of perseverance or overcoming adversity. Example: "Despite the many tribulations she faced throughout her life, she remained resilient and hopeful for the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do you have an idea for a blog post about the trials, tribulations and frustrations of university life?

The Guardian

Shortly before lunch on the third day England, after some real tribulations against the second new ball, were finally all out for 350, which meant that the sides had tied on first innings, something of a rarity, and the match had therefore become a one-innings game.

The Guardian - Sport

Even when his characters are under-going the direst of tribulations, Selvon has a way of capturing the humour in the situation.

The Guardian - Books

If you'd like to contribute an anonymous piece about the trials and tribulations of university life, contact [email protected]@theguardian.com

The Guardian

They pay no attention to the pathetic tribulations I've listed above.

The Guardian

In the South, the press and the political parties are showing barely concealed glee at Sinn Fein's tribulations in Colombia.

The Guardian

Have you got an idea for a blog about the trials, tribulations and frustrations of life on the frontline of the health service?

The Guardian

This week's anonymous academic is a research assistant at a former polytechnic university If you'd like to contribute an anonymous piece about the trials and tribulations of university life, contact [email protected]@theguardian.com

The Guardian

With all of his trials and legal tribulations, he is certainly not going to disappear from the news.

The Guardian - Opinion

CHANGING partners in Russia can be a fraught affair, to which the tribulations of Anna Karenina are as good a guide as any.

The Economist

Its runner-up for length (at 2 hours, 53 minutes) was David Yang's absorbingly soap-operatic, Taiwanese film, "Yi Yi", about the tribulations of a computer businessman, which won the jury's "best director" award.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tribulations", consider the specific context and choose it when you want to emphasize a series of challenging or distressing experiences.

Common error

Avoid using "tribulations" for minor inconveniences; reserve it for genuinely difficult or distressing experiences to maintain the impact and accuracy of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tribulations" is that of a noun, typically used in its plural form. It refers to a collection or series of difficult or distressing experiences, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tribulations" refers to a series of difficult or distressing experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and commonly used. It functions as a noun, typically in the plural form, and carries a neutral to formal register. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. When writing, use "tribulations" to emphasize the weight and significance of hardships, but reserve it for truly challenging experiences to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider alternatives like "hardships" or "ordeals" to fine-tune the meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardships

Emphasizes the difficult conditions or circumstances.

trials and tribulations

Highlights both the tests and the suffering involved.

ordeals

Focuses on the severity and painfulness of the experiences.

adversities

Stresses the unfavorable or difficult situations encountered.

sufferings

Directly refers to the pain and distress experienced.

afflictions

Highlights the cause of distress or suffering.

difficulties

A more general term for challenges or problems.

challenges

Focuses on the stimulating or testing nature of the experiences.

vicissitudes

Emphasizes the unpredictable changes and shifts in fortune.

miseries

Emphasizes the state of great unhappiness or suffering.

FAQs

How can I use "tribulations" in a sentence?

You can use "tribulations" to describe a series of difficult or painful experiences that someone has undergone. For instance, "Despite the many tribulations she faced, she remained optimistic".

What are some synonyms for "tribulations"?

Alternatives to "tribulations" include "hardships", "ordeals", and "adversities", each emphasizing different aspects of difficult experiences.

What is the difference between "trials" and "tribulations"?

"Trials" generally refer to tests or challenges, while "tribulations" specifically emphasize the suffering or distress experienced during those challenges. Thus, "trials and tribulations" often go together to highlight both the challenges and the pain.

Is "tribulations" a formal word?

Yes, "tribulations" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for use in academic, news, and professional contexts. More informal alternatives might include "problems" or "difficulties".