hardship - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
hardship Word Meanings
- a situation of difficulty or suffering
- a state of severe emotional or physical distress
- an obstacle or challenge that makes life harder
hardship Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
hardship Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈhɑːdʃɪp/
US
/ˈhɑrdʃɪp/
hardship Word Etymology
Hardship is derived from hard + ship (the suffix indicating condition). It originates from Old English 'hearþscipe'. Imagine a sturdy ship struggling against stormy waves; the ship represents endurance in the face of life's difficulties.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Hardship refers to a period or condition of serious difficulty, suffering, or adversity. It covers financial strain, illness, discrimination, or other obstacles that test endurance, as well as emotional distress during a crisis. Learners should note that hardship can be temporary or long lasting, and it often appears in fixed expressions like 'financial hardship,' 'in hardship,' or 'through hardship.' The word emphasizes endurance and resilience more than a single hurdle; it implies a broader or chronic challenge rather than a one-off problem.
Usage Reminders
- Hardship is typically uncountable in everyday use. It can pair with adjectives like 'financial' or 'emotional'. It often implies endurance, not just a single problem. Use in fixed phrases: financial hardship, through hardship, hardship and resilience. Distinguish from 'hard' as a simple adjective. Remember plural 'hardships' for multiple tough periods. Avoid overusing it for minor inconveniences.
Common Misconceptions
- Hardship = poverty only
- Hardship always lasts a long time
- Hardship is the same as a small difficulty
- Hardship is used only in formal writing
- Hardship only describes material trouble
Thinking Differences
English speakers often frame hardship as endurance through broader, lasting challenges, and it carries a weightier emotional tone than simple difficulty.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations like financial hardship and times of hardship.
- Note that hardship can be countable (hardships) when referring to multiple periods.
- Distinguish hardship from 'difficult' in everyday speech.
- Practice expressing resilience and endurance in crises.
- Use context to choose between 'adversity' and 'hardship'.
- Read/hear fixed phrases to build natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'hardship'?
A.Joy
B.Difficulty
C.Smooth
D.Lazy
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'hardship' used correctly?
A.They encountered hardship during their journey.
B.The joy of hardship made her smile.
C.She avoided hardship by working hard.
D.He faced no hardship in his life.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'hardship'?
A.Ease
B.Challenge
C.Comfort
D.Happiness
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'hardship'?
A.Trial
B.Obstacle
C.Struggle
D.Pleasure
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life 'hardship'?
A.Sleeping in on weekends
B.Eating ice cream on a sunny day
C.Watching a funny movie with friends
D.Difficulties faced in achieving a goal
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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