I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English suffring, from gerund of suffren to suffer
1. : the state or experience of one who suffers : the endurance of or submission to affliction, pain, loss
2. : a pain endured or a distress, loss, or injury incurred
rise from a bed of suffering
experience untold suffering
endured many sufferings
no one … better prepared by habitual suffering — Jane Austen
Synonyms: see distress
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English suffring, from present participle of suffren to suffer
1.
a. : that suffers
b. : characterized by or proceeding from suffering
2. : ill , sick
is he very suffering — Owen Wister
• suf·fer·ing·ly adverb