Want to say ordeal differently? Here are other words for ordeal and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of ordeal
A person's severely challenging or painful experience, especially one that is prolonged.
Etymology of ordeal
The word "ordeal" comes from the Old English words "ordal" and "ordel", which referred to a test or trial, especially one that was imposed by God or by a court of law
The word is derived from the Germanic word "uzdailiz", which is also the source of the Modern English word "trial"
In medieval times, an ordeal was a form of trial by combat or by physical test, such as walking on hot coals or being submerged in water, which was used to determine a person's guilt or innocence
Synonyms
trial
test
tribulation
hardship
suffering
affliction
torment
torture
pain
agony
distress
misery
woe
trouble
adversity
calamity
disaster
catastrophe
crisis
predicament
plight
struggle
challenge
hardship
difficulty
hurdle
obstacle
impediment
setback
reverse
misfortune
ill fortune
bad luck
mishap
misadventure
catastrophe
cataclysm
ordeal by fire
ordeal by water
Definitions
- A prolonged and painful or exhausting experience, especially one that is seen as a test of a person's endurance or resolve
- A severe test or hardship, especially one that is imposed as a form of punishment or discipline
- A trial or examination, especially one that is intended to prove a person's guilt or innocence
Usage Examples
- The refugee family went through a terrible ordeal during their journey to safety
- The athlete had to endure a grueling ordeal of physical training and mental preparation before the big competition
- The company is facing a major ordeal as it tries to recover from the financial crisis