# affliction

/əˈfɫɪkʃən/ (US) · /ɐflˈɪkʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/affliction
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

something that causes pain or suffering, like a disease or a very difficult problem.

For teachers: a cause of persistent pain, distress, or suffering; often refers to a chronic physical ailment or a deep-seated social problem.

## Examples

- The old man suffered from a painful affliction in his joints.
- The government is struggling to find a solution for the affliction of poverty in rural areas.
- In many classic novels, the protagonist must overcome a physical or spiritual affliction to achieve a state of grace or wisdom by the final chapter.

## Usage notes

- Countable when referring to a specific ailment or problem; uncountable when referring to the state of suffering.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.