What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ordeal
Example
Surviving the accident was an ordeal that left him with physical and emotional scars. [ordeal: noun]
Example
She had to endure the ordeal of giving a speech in front of a large audience. [ordeal: noun]
hardship
Example
The family faced financial hardship after losing their jobs. [hardship: noun]
Example
Living in a war-torn country is a hardship that many people face. [hardship: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hardship is more commonly used than ordeal in everyday language. Hardship is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while ordeal is less common and often used in specific situations that involve trauma or suffering.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between ordeal and hardship?
Both ordeal and hardship are formal words that are appropriate for academic or professional writing. However, ordeal may be more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
