tribulation

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformalliterary

   A condition of serious trouble, pain, or suffering over a period of time.

   Grammar: No plural for the general condition; it sounds formal or literary.

   Patterns

   • times of tribulation
   • through tribulation
   • great tribulation

   The novel follows a family through war and tribulation.

   They kept hope during years of tribulation.

   The community emerged stronger after its tribulation.

2. 2nouncountableformalliterary

   A specific event or cause of great difficulty; often used in the plural.

   Grammar: Singular for one hardship; plural tribulations lists repeated troubles.

   Patterns

   • trials and tribulations
   • daily tribulations
   • endure tribulations

   Every job has its small tribulations.

   The memoir describes the tribulations of migration.

   She faced the tribulations of illness with patience.

Word forms

Common combinations

trials and tribulations

The show humorously portrays the trials and tribulations of family life.

great tribulation

The history book describes the great tribulation of the famine years.

endure tribulation

They endured tribulation without losing their sense of dignity.

through tribulation

Friendship grew stronger through tribulation.

Synonyms and how they differ

hardship

More common and practical; tribulation sounds heavier, formal, or religious.

adversity

Formal for difficult conditions one must face; tribulation emphasizes suffering endured.

affliction

Often physical pain, illness, or disaster; tribulation is broader trouble.

suffering

Direct and general; tribulation can sound bookish or biblical.

Opposites

Word family

tribulate verb

To afflict or trouble; rare outside formal or historical contexts.

Commonly confused: tribulation or trial? tribulation or tribute?

Practice

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