Need another word for Ordeal? Use these synonyms of Ordeal from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
trial
test
tribulation
hardship
suffering
affliction
torment
agony
distress
adversity
calamity
catastrophe
misery
woe
trouble
difficulty
challenge
hardship
struggle
plight
predicament
dilemma
quagmire
crunch
strain
stress
tension
anxiety
apprehension
fear
dread
horror
nightmare
ordeal
test
examination
evaluation
assessment
Meaning of Ordeal
A person's experience of a severe test or hardship, especially one that is prolonged or repeated
Definitions
- A severe test or hardship, especially one that is prolonged or repeated
- * A formal trial or examination, especially one that is regarded as a severe test of someone's abilities or character
Etymology of Ordeal
The word "ordeal" comes from the Old English words "ordal" or "ordæl", which referred to a test or trial, especially a judicial one
The word is related to the Old English word "ord" meaning "judgment" or "verdict"
Historically, an ordeal was a form of trial by combat or other physical test, used to determine guilt or innocence
Example Uses
- The team faced a difficult ordeal during their journey to the championship
- * She went through a painful ordeal during her recovery from the illness
- * The new employee had to undergo a series of tests as part of his ordeal to prove himself