suffering
0 antonyms and opposites of suffering, grouped by meaning.
Noun — Pain or distress, whether physical or emotional.
How to use suffering
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from suffer plus -ing.
Full origin of suffering →Frequently asked questions
What does “suffering” mean?
The word “suffering” means pain or distress, whether physical or emotional. In plain terms, the state of being in pain or hardship.
How do you pronounce “suffering”?
“Suffering” is pronounced SUH-fuh-rihng (/ˈsʌfəɹɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “suffering” in a sentence?
Here is “suffering” used in a sentence: “The famine caused widespread suffering across the region.”
What part of speech is “suffering”?
Depending on how it is used, “suffering” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “suffering” a common word?
“Suffering” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “suffering” have?
“Suffering” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: pain or distress, whether physical or emotional.
What is the difference between suffering and pain?
Pain is the raw sensation, physical or emotional, while suffering is the deeper distress that comes from enduring it. You can feel brief pain without lasting suffering, and suffering can continue as anguish even after the original pain fades. Suffering carries a heavier sense of ongoing hardship and emotional weight.
What are the types of suffering?
Suffering is often divided into physical and emotional forms. Physical suffering includes illness, injury, and bodily pain, while emotional suffering covers grief, loneliness, fear, and mental anguish. Many people experience both at once, since serious illness or loss can wound the body and the mind together.
What is the opposite of suffering?
The opposite of suffering is a state of comfort, ease, or well-being, where pain and distress are absent. Words like relief, contentment, and joy capture this. In many philosophies, easing suffering, whether one's own or others', is seen as a central goal of a good and compassionate life.
Why do humans experience suffering?
Suffering arises from illness, injury, loss, fear, and unmet needs, and it serves partly as a signal that something is wrong and needs attention. While it is painful, it can also foster empathy, resilience, and growth. Philosophies and religions have long grappled with why suffering exists and how to ease it.