ordeal

/ɔɹˈdil/noun

A very difficult or unpleasant experience that tests your strength or patience.

Example sentences

“Being stuck in the airport for two days was quite an ordeal for the family.”
“The hostages described their ordeal to reporters after being freed.”

Originally a medieval trial by fire or water; anything gruelling now qualifies.

Synonyms for ordeal

trial
nightmare
hardship
torment

Related words

ostentatiousDeliberately showy in order to catch people's attention.ostracizeTo shut someone out of a group or society by ignoring them and refusing to have any contact with them.outbreakThe sudden start or rapid spread of something unpleasant, such as a disease.onerousRequiring so much effort that it feels like a heavy load; hard to bear.outburstA sudden and forceful release of emotion or energy.ominousSuggesting that something bad is about to happen; acting as a warning sign.