ordeal
word
/ɔɹˈdiɫ/
/ɔːdˈiəl/
Definition
A very difficult or painful experience, often one that tests your strength or patience.
Usage & Nuances
'Ordeal' is formal or literary. It describes a major difficulty, often involving suffering or emotional struggle. Common collocations: 'survive an ordeal', 'face an ordeal', 'a long ordeal.' It is not used for minor troubles.
Spanish: prueba difícil - calvarioPortuguese (BR): provação - sofrimentoPortuguese (PT): provação - tormentoChinese (Simplified): 磨难 - 苦难Chinese (Traditional): 磨難 - 苦難Hindi: कठिन испытान - कष्टदायक अनुभवArabic: محنة - تجربة قاسيةBengali: কঠিন পরীক্ষা - দুর্দশাRussian: тяжёлое испытание - мучениеJapanese: 試練 - 苦難Vietnamese: thử thách lớn - trải nghiệm đau đớnKorean: 시련 - 고난Turkish: zorlu sınav - çileUrdu: کٹھن آزمایش - مشکل مرحلہIndonesian: cobaan berat - penderitaan
Example Sentences
The long illness was a terrible ordeal for her.
basic
They survived the ordeal of getting lost in the mountains.
basic
The exam was such an ordeal for the children.
basic
Getting through that breakup was an emotional ordeal.
natural
After the whole ordeal, he finally felt at peace.
natural
Honestly, waiting for the results felt like an ordeal.
natural