tribulation
/ˌtrɪbjʊˈleɪʃ(ə)n
/noun (usually tribulations)
1A cause of great trouble or suffering: the tribulations of being a megastar...
- But does the film show the real problems and trials and tribulations of the fighters?
- While an object of great respect, Inang Bayan is also often pitied for the tribulations she has suffered.
- See their trials and tribulations, especially when mothers and daughters differ over dresses.
1.1 [mass noun] A state of great trouble or suffering: his time of tribulation was just beginning...
- To savour that undefinable feeling and sense of satisfaction when the final whistle blew almost makes the trials and tribulation of recent days worthwhile.
- It is a message of Gods great love for His people, and it is also a warning that there will be a time of tribulation.
- This period in our history was a time of great tribulation.
Synonyms
trouble, worry, anxiety, burden, cross to bear, affliction, ordeal, trial, adversity, hardship, tragedy, trauma, reverse, setback, blow, difficulty, problem, issue, misfortune, bad luck, stroke of bad luck, ill fortune, mishap, misadventure;
suffering, distress, misery, wretchedness, unhappiness, sadness, heartache, woe, grief, pain, anguish, agony
informal hassle
archaic travails
Origin
Middle English: via Old French from ecclesiastical Latin tribulatio(n-), from Latin tribulare 'press, oppress', from tribulum 'threshing board (constructed of sharp points)', based on terere 'rub'.