tribulation

[ trib-yuh-ley-shuhn ]

noun

1. grievous trouble; severe trial or suffering.

   Synonyms: adversity, distress, hardship, affliction

2. an instance of this; an affliction, trouble, etc.

tribulation

/ ˌtrɪbjʊˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. a cause of distress
2. a state of suffering or distress

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribulation¹

1175–1225; Middle English < Latin trībulātiōn- (stem of trībulātiō ) distress, trouble, equivalent to trībulāt ( us ) (past participle of trībulāre to press, squeeze, derivative of trībulum threshing sledge, equivalent to trī-, variant stem of terere to rub, crush + -bulum noun suffix of instrument) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribulation¹

C13: from Old French, from Church Latin trībulātiō , from Latin trībulāre to afflict, from trībulum a threshing board, from terere to rub

Example Sentences

"When you haven't lived life, to go through trials and tribulations whilst being under the spotlight is a very difficult thing. And who is there to support?"

From BBC

Author Helen Fielding says Bridget Jones has found a new audience with Gen Z, who have more problems than young women did 30 years ago but take comfort in the character's trials and tribulations.

From BBC

The eight-time Olympic medallist had taken a break due to mental health "trials and tribulations" and said he had deliberately "isolated himself from the world."

From BBC

Even real empathy has its problems, he said, “if it blinds us to the problems and tribulations of larger groups outside of our immediate proximity.”

From Salon

In “Jet Pac Boomerang,” he ponders love’s trials and tribulations, ultimately recognizing that it’s all somehow worth it “when she says she loves me” and “angel choirs sing.”

From Salon

Related Words

• adversity
• grief
• heartache
• misery
• misfortune
• woe