Misery vs. Suffering — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Misery refers to a state of great distress or discomfort, often emotional, while suffering encompasses both physical and emotional pain or hardship.
Difference Between Misery and Suffering
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Misery is primarily associated with deep emotional distress, often caused by circumstances perceived as hopeless or extremely sad. Whereas, suffering can include both the physical sensations of pain as well as emotional distress, covering a broader range of experiences.
People often describe misery in terms of extreme sadness or depression, emphasizing the emotional aspect. On the other hand, suffering is used to describe conditions ranging from physical ailments to the emotional impact of grief or despair.
Misery can be seen as a more intense and sustained feeling of unhappiness and helplessness. While, suffering might not always carry the same depth of emotional despair but includes the endurance of pain, whether mental or physical.
Misery often implies a situation where emotional relief is not in sight, suggesting a prolonged or permanent state of distress. Conversely, suffering can be considered temporary and something that might be alleviated or ended, such as recovering from an illness or resolving a stressful situation.
Misery is often used in contexts that describe extreme conditions of poverty, loss, or failure that lead to severe emotional consequences. In contrast, suffering is frequently referenced in discussions about diseases, injuries, or life’s general hardships that can be overcome or managed.
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Comparison Chart
Type of Pain
Primarily emotional
Both physical and emotional
Duration
Often long-term or perceived as unending
Can be either short-term or long-term
Examples
Depression, severe loneliness
Illness, grief, physical injury
Relief
Hard to obtain, often seems impossible
Possible through healing or resolution
Common Contexts
Extreme poverty, heartbreak, despair
Medical conditions, personal and global crises
Compare with Definitions
Misery
A state of great emotional distress.
He felt a deep sense of misery after the breakup.
Suffering
The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.
Suffering is a universal aspect of the human condition.
Misery
Extreme unhappiness or discomfort.
The artist captured the misery of the city's forgotten corners.
Suffering
The experience of pain, either physical or emotional.
Doctors work to alleviate their patients' suffering.
Misery
Prolonged suffering of an emotional nature.
The novel describes the misery of life during the war.
Suffering
Endurance of adverse conditions.
The refugees' suffering continued as they sought a new home.
Misery
The feeling of being hopeless or desolate.
Misery overwhelmed her as she surveyed the storm's damage.
Suffering
A broad term covering both mental and bodily pain.
Meditation can help in reducing suffering.
Misery
A condition of squalor or deep poverty.
The documentary exposed the misery caused by economic collapse.
Suffering
An instance of bearing pain or distress.
The community came together to ease each other's suffering during the crisis.
Misery
A state or feeling of great physical or mental distress or discomfort
The misery of the miner's existence
A man who had brought her nothing but misery
Suffering
Suffering, or pain in a broad sense, may be an experience of unpleasantness and aversion associated with the perception of harm or threat of harm in an individual. Suffering is the basic element that makes up the negative valence of affective phenomena.
Misery
The state of suffering and want as a result of physical circumstances or extreme poverty.
Suffering
The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship
Weapons that cause unnecessary suffering
His disregard for the sufferings of his fellow countrymen
Misery
Mental or emotional unhappiness or distress
"Our happiness or misery depends on our dispositions, and not on our circumstances" (Martha Washington).
Suffering
The condition of one who suffers; the bearing of pain or distress.
Misery
A cause or source of suffering
The miseries of adolescence.
Suffering
An instance of pain or distress.
Misery
(Informal) A physical ache or ailment.
Suffering
Experiencing pain; characterized by suffering.
Misery
Great unhappiness; extreme pain of body or mind; wretchedness; distress; woe.
Ever since his wife left him you can see the misery on his face.
Suffering
The condition of someone who suffers; a state of pain or distress.
Misery
A bodily ache or pain.
Suffering
Present participle of suffer
Misery
Cause of misery; calamity; misfortune.
Suffering
The bearing of pain, inconvenience, or loss; pain endured; distress, loss, or injury incurred; as, sufferings by pain or sorrow; sufferings by want or by wrongs.
Misery
(Extreme) poverty.
Suffering
Being in pain or grief; having loss, injury, distress, etc.
Misery
(archaic) greed; avarice.
Suffering
A state of acute pain
Misery
Great unhappiness; extreme pain of body or mind; wretchedness; distress; woe.
Destruction and misery are in their ways.
Suffering
Misery resulting from affliction
Misery
Cause of misery; calamity; misfortune.
When we our betters see bearing our woes,We scarcely think our miseries our foes.
Suffering
Psychological suffering;
The death of his wife caused him great distress
Misery
Covetousness; niggardliness; avarice.
Suffering
Feelings of mental or physical pain
Misery
A state of ill-being due to affliction or misfortune;
The misery and wretchedness of those slums is intolerable
Suffering
Troubled by pain or loss;
Suffering refugees
Misery
A feeling of intense unhappiness;
She was exhausted by her misery and grief
Suffering
Very unhappy; full of misery;
He felt depressed and miserable
A message of hope for suffering humanity
Wretched prisoners huddled in stinking cages
Common Curiosities
Is suffering always visible?
No, suffering can often be internal and not apparent to others.
What is the main difference between misery and suffering?
Misery is primarily emotional and often feels unending, while suffering includes both physical pain and emotional distress and may not be permanent.
Can misery be a form of suffering?
Yes, misery is a specific, intense form of emotional suffering.
What are common causes of suffering?
Common causes include illness, loss, injury, stress, and life changes.
Can animals experience misery and suffering?
Yes, animals can experience both physical suffering and emotional distress.
Is misery always caused by external factors?
Not always; it can also be influenced by internal factors such as mental health conditions.
How can one alleviate misery?
Alleviating misery often requires addressing the underlying emotional issues through support, therapy, or changes in circumstances.
What role does suffering play in personal growth?
Suffering can sometimes lead to personal growth, resilience, and increased empathy.
How do cultures differ in their approach to suffering?
Cultural attitudes toward suffering vary, influencing how pain is expressed and managed.
What therapeutic approaches help with misery?
Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, and support groups can be effective.
Can suffering be completely eliminated?
While not all suffering can be eliminated, its impact can often be mitigated through various means.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
