English Lexicon

Hardship

/ˈhɑːrdʃɪp/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Severe suffering or privation.

    "The community faced great hardship during the economic downturn."
  2. 2

    A condition that is difficult to endure.

    "She overcame many hardships to achieve her dreams."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'hardship' originates from the Old English 'heard' meaning 'hard' and 'scipe' meaning 'condition or state'. It has evolved through Middle English, retaining its core meaning related to difficult conditions or experiences.

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