What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distress
Example
The news of her father's death caused her great distress. [distress: noun]
Example
The loud noise from the construction site was distressing for the residents. [distressing: adjective]
suffering
Example
The patient was in great suffering due to his illness. [suffering: noun]
Example
The war has caused immense suffering for the civilians. [suffering: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Suffering is a more commonly used word than distress in everyday language. Suffering is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while distress is less common and often used in more formal or medical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distress and suffering?
Distress is often used in formal or medical contexts, while suffering can be used in both formal and informal settings. However, both words can be used in a range of formality levels depending on the context and tone of the conversation or writing.
