ordeal
What does "ordeal" mean?
An ordeal is a prolonged, painful, or testing experience. Mentally, visualize someone having to endure a difficult trial or a series of grueling obstacles that seem designed to push them to their absolute limit. While it can refer to any challenging situation, it is most often used for experiences that are emotionally draining or physically exhausting. It is commonly collocated with verbs like "survive," "endure," or "go through," emphasizing the difficulty of getting to the other side of the event.
"ordeal" in conversation
Discussing a delayed flight
The airline lost my luggage and I was stuck in the terminal for twelve hours.
The airline lost my luggage and I was stuck in the terminal for twelve hours.
That sounds like an absolute ordeal. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
That sounds like an absolute ordeal. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Used to describe a stressful and prolonged travel experience.
Returning from a hike
I think I’m done with hiking for a while. Getting lost in that storm was terrifying.
I think I’m done with hiking for a while. Getting lost in that storm was terrifying.
I can imagine! Surviving that ordeal must have been exhausting.
I can imagine! Surviving that ordeal must have been exhausting.
Used to acknowledge a dangerous or physically demanding event.
"ordeal" in a sentence
The long flight was a minor ordeal for the toddler.
The long flight was a minor ordeal for the toddler.
She finally spoke about the harrowing ordeal she faced during the shipwreck.
She finally spoke about the harrowing ordeal she faced during the shipwreck.
The trial turned into a legal ordeal that lasted for nearly three years.
The trial turned into a legal ordeal that lasted for nearly three years.
