Word
sufferer
Phoneticssuf·fer·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsəfɝɝ/
UK/sˈʌfəɹɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a person who is experiencing a physical or mental illness, or someone who is having a very difficult time in life.
n. a person who is experiencing a physical or mental condition, or one who is enduring a state of distress or hardship.
Examples
“The sufferer needs rest and quiet.”
“The charity provides support groups for every sufferer of chronic pain to share their experiences.”
“While the medical team focused on the physical symptoms, the psychologist worked to address the emotional toll on the sufferer, recognizing that mental health is equally vital to recovery.”
Examples
simple
“The sufferer needs rest and quiet.”
contextual
“The charity provides support groups for every sufferer of chronic pain to share their experiences.”
complex
“While the medical team focused on the physical symptoms, the psychologist worked to address the emotional toll on the sufferer, recognizing that mental health is equally vital to recovery.”
Real-World Examples
“Every day from October to December, Melbourne's pollen count is measured and published , so hay fever sufferers know exactly what they're breathing.” “Some hay fever sufferers pray for rain in the hope that the damp conditions will stop pollen from spreading through the air and into their eyes and noses.” Etymology
From suffer + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sufferer