suffering
n. uncountable B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsəfɝɪŋ// UK //sˈʌfəɹɪŋ// suf·fer·ing
n. the physical or mental pain that a person or animal feels. It is often used to describe long-lasting or very deep pain.
n. the state of undergoing physical or mental pain, distress, or hardship. Often used to describe collective or prolonged experiences of trauma or illness.
The new medicine helped to reduce his suffering.
Charity organizations work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of families displaced by the recent natural disaster.
Philosophers have long debated whether human suffering is an inevitable byproduct of consciousness or a condition that can be transcended through disciplined mental practice.
By surface analysis, suffer + -ing.